"Book of Alphabets," 1908
Item 74461 info
Maine Historical Society
Like the history of handwriting, Shaylor's methods developed over time. He established three main handwriting styles: 1) slant variety 2) vertical 3) medial.
Medial handwriting was the most simplified version of the three. It was directed toward beginners and school children first learning the craft.
Medial handwriting was so popular Shaylor published a manual in both English and Spanish.
All of Shaylor’s handwriting styles put emphasis on five focal points:
Legibility -- simpler forms, shorter letters, wider spaces
Rapidity -- less distance traveled, greater freedom of movement
Economy -- save space and time by omitting superfluous strokes, more words on a line, more lines on a page
Beauty -- greater uniformity and simplicity
Hygiene -- position more healthful, strain on eyes spared
Many of Shaylor's publications give additional lessons on letter shading, spacing, slant and style.
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