Typewriter Century: A Cultural History of Writing Practices

The Typewriter Century explores the relationship between writers and their typewriters from the 1880s to the 1980s, focusing on celebrity writers and their routines. It highlights the de-personalization and bureaucratization of text, as well as the new and disturbing distance between authors and their compositions. The book also demonstrates how the typewriter influenced all writers, canonical and otherwise.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

The Typewriter Century: A Cultural History of the Typewriter from the 1880s to the 1980s

The Typewriter Century: A Cultural History of the Typewriter from the 1880s to the 1980s explores the intense relationship between writers and their typewriters during this period. The book covers a significant era, from the commercialization of the typewriter in the 1880s to its eventual supersession by word-processing in the 1980s. Drawing on examples from various countries, including the United States, Britain, Europe, and Australia, the book highlights the experiences of celebrity writers who wrote prolifically and mechanically, developing routines that included typing, handwriting, and dictation.

One of the key themes of the book is the de-personalization of the text and the bureaucratization of the office typewriter. The typewriter allowed writers to produce large amounts of text quickly and efficiently, but it also removed the personal touch from the writing process. This led to a sense of distance between the author and their composition, with some authors finding it difficult to connect with their work. On the other hand, others believed that the typewriter facilitated spontaneous and automatic typing, allowing them to express their ideas more freely.

The Typewriter Century also explores the ways in which the typewriter influenced all writers, canonical and otherwise. It highlights the role of the typewriter in shaping the literary landscape, from the rise of the novel to the development of modernist and postmodernist styles. The book also discusses the impact of the typewriter on society, including its role in the workplace and its impact on education.

The book is organized into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the typewriter's history. Chapter 1, "The Birth of the Typewriter," provides a brief overview of the invention of the typewriter and its early development. Chapter 2, "The Typewriter in the Office," explores the role of the typewriter in the workplace, including its impact on productivity and the development of office culture. Chapter 3, "The Typewriter in Literature," examines the ways in which the typewriter influenced literature, including the rise of the novel and the development of modernist and postmodernist styles. Chapter 4, "The Typewriter in Society," explores the impact of the typewriter on society, including its role in the workplace and its impact on education.

The book includes a wide range of examples from various writers and genres, including Henry James, Jack Kerouac, Agatha Christie, Georges Simenon, and Erle Stanley Gardner. These examples provide a vivid insight into the experiences of writers who used the typewriter and the ways in which it influenced their work. The book also includes photographs and illustrations that help to bring the typewriter to life.

One of the strengths of The Typewriter Century is its ability to provide a cultural history of the typewriter. The book explores the ways in which the typewriter has been used and interpreted by different cultures and societies, and it highlights the ways in which it has shaped the literary landscape. The book also provides a critical analysis of the typewriter's impact on society, including its role in the workplace and its impact on education.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the main limitations is that it focuses primarily on the United States, Britain, Europe, and Australia, and it does not provide a comprehensive overview of the typewriter's history in other parts of the world. This can be a significant limitation for readers who are interested in the typewriter's history in other regions.

Another limitation of the book is that it can be quite dense and difficult to read. The book includes a lot of information and examples, and it can be challenging to keep track of all of the different themes and ideas. This can be particularly challenging for readers who are not familiar with the typewriter's history.

Despite these limitations, The Typewriter Century is a valuable and interesting book that provides a cultural history of the typewriter from the 1880s to the 1980s. The book is well-written and well-researched, and it provides a wide range of examples and insights into the experiences of writers who used the typewriter. The book is also accessible to readers who are not familiar with the typewriter's history, and it provides a critical analysis of the typewriter's impact on society.

In conclusion, The Typewriter Century: A Cultural History of the Typewriter from the 1880s to the 1980s is a valuable and interesting book that provides a cultural history of the typewriter from the 1880s to the 1980s. The book explores the intense relationship between writers and their typewriters during this period, and it highlights the ways in which the typewriter has been used and interpreted by different cultures and societies. The book also provides a critical analysis of the typewriter's impact on society, including its role in the workplace and its impact on education. While the book has some limitations, it is still a valuable and interesting read for anyone interested in the typewriter's history.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487525736