History of the Typewriter
The History of the Typewriter
Birth of the first typewriter
The history of the typewriter, an ingenious invention that revolutionized written communication, unfolds through a series of visionary minds and technological advancements. The first glimpses of this mechanical marvel emerged in the early 18th century when various inventors toyed with the idea of a machine capable of replicating characters. It was not until 1867 that Christopher Latham Sholes, Samuel Soule, and Carlos Glidden presented the world with the Sholes and Glidden typewriter, more commonly known as the Remington No. 1. This marked the birth of the commercial typewriter, featuring a QWERTY keyboard layout that has endured over time.
Early evolution of the typewriter
In the subsequent decades, numerous manufacturers entered the typewriter arena, each contributing innovations to enhance efficiency and usability. The Hammond typewriter, introduced in 1884, implemented a semi-circular keyboard, while the Blickensderfer No. 5, unveiled in 1893, featured a cylindrical design that allowed for portability. The Remington No. 2, released in 1878, marked the debut of the shift key, enabling the use of both uppercase and lowercase letters.
Typewriter goes mainstream
As the typewriter gained popularity, it became an integral tool in various sectors, including business, administration, and literature. Mark Twain was among the first notable authors to submit a typed manuscript to a publisher, showcasing the typewriter's potential in the literary realm. The 20th century witnessed the proliferation of typewriters, with companies such as IBM, Underwood, and Smith Corona dominating the market. Funny story about the last mentioned typewriter as some conspiracy theorists claim that Tom hanks who owns several corona typewriters and has posted on social media has been accused of being a part of the covid plot. You can check out his instagram page if you wish to see the typewriter of which he has a large collection.
First electric typewriters developed
Advancements in technology propelled the evolution of Electric typewriters emerged in the early 1900s, offering increased typing speed and reduced physical effort. The IBM Selectric, introduced in 1961, replaced the traditional typebars with a rotating ball, further enhancing typing efficiency. These inventions expanded the typewriters utility and solidified its status as an indispensable tool for writers, secretaries, and businesses alike.
The computer age of typewriters
The 20th century saw the rise of word processors and personal computers, changing how we write. Despite typewriters losing popularity, they still hold a special place among collectors and writers.One could say that keyboards today are the modern version of typewriters.
Typewriters today in culture
In the 21st century, typewriters have experienced a resurgence in popularity, becoming coveted artifacts among those drawn to analog and vintage technologies. The clattering keys and the tangible act of pressing each letter evoke a sense of craftsmanship and mindfulness in an era dominated by digital interfaces. Today, typewriters stand as both historical relics and timeless instruments, bridging the gap between past and present, tradition and innovation, in the ever evolving landscape of written communication.
I myself have owned a couple typewriters, I remember as a young child receiving an olivetti typewriter and marveling at the technology. Do you own a typewriter? Our smartphone's today have small keyboards that obviously derived from well....? yes you guessed it also typewriters . Would love to hear back from you on this topic. Wishing the bulb community a fantastic day!
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