CP Zaner Beautiful Penmanship.jpg
H. W. Flickinger (pictured center, number 12) was presented with a Loving Cup by his fellow penmen at the 1902 Eastern Commercial Teachers Association convention.
The main classroom of the Zanerian, taken for C. P. Zaner's book "Blackboard Writing" in 1910 or 1911.
C. E. Doner in 1904 showing the proper position for writing. Taken for a series of lesson in the Business Educator.

Beautiful penmanship.

Welcome to American Penmanship, a resource for penmen.

You will find a variety of lessons, research, history and culture pertaining to penmanship in the United States from the mid-1800s to the present day.

Occasional thoughts on penmanship related topics are posted under Editorials.

I appreciate your patience as I add content to each section.

C. P. Zaner showing proper position for writing.

History

Learn more about the people, places and styles of penmanship. View real examples of writing and engrossing.

A direct running oval exercise, commonly used as the first lessons in arm movement writing.

Lessons

Ready to start writing? Browse a collection of lessons, both historic and modern.

A close up of a gross of pen nibs.

Resources

A good starting point for supplies, inspiration and other penmanship collections.