The origin and progress of letters : an essay, in two parts. The first shewing when, and by whom letters were invented; the formation of the alphabets of various nations; their manner of writing, on what materials, and with what instruments men have written in different ages to the present time. Wherein is considered the great utility of this art with regard to mankind. The second part consists of a compendious account of the most celebrated English penmen, with the titles and characters of the books they have published both from the rolling and letterpress. Interspersed with many interesting particulars by way of notes throughout the first part; and the second is a new species of biography never before attempted in English. The whole collected from undoubted authorities / by W. Massey, master of a boarding school for many years at Wandsworth in Surry.

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Massey, W. (William), 1691-1764?, The origin and progress of letters , 1763

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Creator:: Massey, W. (William), 1691–1764?
Title(s):: The origin and progress of letters : an essay, in two parts. The first shewing when, and by whom letters were invented; the formation of the alphabets of various nations; their manner of writing, on what materials, and with what instruments men have written in different ages to the present time. Wherein is considered the great utility of this art with regard to mankind. The second part consists of a compendious account of the most celebrated English penmen, with the titles and characters of the books they have published both from the rolling and letterpress. Interspersed with many interesting particulars by way of notes throughout the first part; and the second is a new species of biography never before attempted in English. The whole collected from undoubted authorities / by W. Massey, master of a boarding school for many years at Wandsworth in Surry.
Published/Created:: London : Printed for J. Johnson, opposite the monument, 1763.
Physical Description:: iv, 160, [12], 175, [1] p., [6] leaves of plates (5 folded) : ill. ; 21 cm.
Holdings:: Rare Books and Manuscripts
Z105 .M37 1763
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection
[Request]
Copyright Status:: Copyright Not Evaluated
Full Orbis Record:: http://hdl.handle.net/10079/bibid/3697892
Classification:: Books
Notes:: Engraved frontispiece.
"Part the Second treating of Calligraphy" has divisional half-title and begins new pagination and register.
English short title catalogue, T99290
First part includes an index.
BAC: British Art Center copy bound in full tree calf. Bookplate: John Browning Harwood, Hammersmith. 1861.
Subject Terms:: Alphabet -- Early works to 1800.
Calligraphers -- Early works to 1800.
Calligraphers -- Great Britain -- Biography.
Calligraphy -- Early works to 1800.
Engraving -- Specimens -- 1763.
Harwood, John Browning -- Bookplate, 1861. (BACRB)
Johnson, J. -- Publisher.
Penmanship -- Study and teaching.
Woodcut -- Specimens -- 1763.
Writing -- History -- Early works to 1800.
Form/Genre:: Writing books.
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