Typewriters: Iconic Machines from the Golden Age of Mechanical Writing

The typewriter has made a comeback as a nostalgic object reminiscent of a time before we were connected to computers. Office machine repairman Casillo began to preserve and collect vintage typewriters in the 1970s. The machines here are from his own collection, and this book is essentially an extension of his website, typewritercollector.com but with excellent images and detailed descriptions of each machine. A brief essay by actor Tom Hanks, another avid typewriter fan, is followed by the author's story of becoming a collector. Casillo then provides a concise history of the typewriter, starting with numerous writing machine inventions in the early 19th century through 1990, when IBM sold its typewriter department. Details articulate the changes and surprising consistencies in design over the decades. A glossary and bibliography benefit readers new to typewriter history and collecting.