The Palmer Method of Business Writing

by A. N. Palmer

A Series of Self-teaching in Rapid, Plain, Unshaded, Coarse-pen, Muscular Movement Writing for Use in All Schools, Public or Private, Where an Easy and Legible Handwriting is the Object Sought; Also for the Home Learner

A. N. Palmer, editor of the journal The American Penman, devised the handwriting system that dominated American classrooms for much of the twentieth century, and this is his textbook for it. The Palmer Method aimed at rapid, plain, legible business writing produced by the muscles of the arm rather than the fingers. The book runs through numbered lessons on posture, the position of the paper and penholder, and the rhythmic drills meant to train the movement, with counting to regulate speed, before building up the small letters, capitals and figures. Palmer addresses the learner directly and promises results to anyone willing to practice daily. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.