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Thread: Books about Pen History?

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    Senior Member azkid's Avatar
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    Default Books about Pen History?

    I've been reading this book recommended by Fred about the history of writing implements. It's really cool.

    What other books would you recommend for a neophyte interested in pen history?

    Of particular interest is the development of the pen industry in America, and history of major brands like Parker, Sheaffer, Wahl, Esterbrook, etc.

    Are there other published sources of fountain pen history, like magazines or blogs, that would be good to look at?

    Thanks!

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Books and booklets by Marshall will give you more about pre-fountain pen history. Most fountain pen books are general and concentrate on the era of pens that contain a reservoir for ink (the primary interest of fountain pen collectors - Duh!). There are also books specific to country, or brand or even model (e.g., an in-depth book just about the Parker 51!).

    Alas, I had a clear-out of my dusty pen library last year* (except for a few books I still use for reference), but here are three general texts:
    https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...hor-excellent?
    https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...art-Schneider?
    https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...highlight=book

    It pays to look at books at a pen show because many (if not most) hobbyist books are picture books with little text beyond captions. Still, even those can be useful for reference.

    There are also historical books on writing rather than the pens.
    https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...ward-Johnston?

    Don't forget to use https://www.abebooks.com to find used or heavily discounted new editions.

    *:
    Last edited by FredRydr; June 30th, 2019 at 11:22 AM.

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    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    I have found The Chronicle of the Fountain Pen by Martins, Leite and Gagean to be a very useful reference. It is organised on a year-by-year basis.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    I have found The Chronicle of the Fountain Pen by Martins, Leite and Gagean to be a very useful reference. It is organised on a year-by-year basis.
    +1, to me it is the most comprehensive book on FP history.

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    Senior Member Freddie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Fountain Pens and Pencils: The Golden Age of Writing Instruments ..Fischler and Scheider {The Blue Book}
    Wanna know how they work..check out Writing Instruments: A Technical History & How They Work ..Dr. Geoff Roe
    A Passion for Pens {English version} ..Pierre Haury & Jean-Pierre Lacroux......
    There are many more..however..why don't you mosey on over to Uri Orland at Books About Pens and see
    what tickles you and ask about specific volumes....See below for link ................................................
    http://www.booksaboutpens.com/catalo...=entrance_page
    Fred

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    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    This book about Parker Vacumatic is loaded with photos and stories. Well worth getting (and the weight).

    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    I have found The Chronicle of the Fountain Pen by Martins, Leite and Gagean to be a very useful reference. It is organised on a year-by-year basis.
    Just ordered a copy on ABEbooks. Thanks for the tip!
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    I have found The Chronicle of the Fountain Pen by Martins, Leite and Gagean to be a very useful reference. It is organised on a year-by-year basis.
    Just ordered a copy on ABEbooks. Thanks for the tip!
    I'm sure you will enjoy it and find it useful.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?


    I just got this book a few months ago. The pens it shows are awesome


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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    Senior Member azkid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Great suggestions. Thanks to everyone so far I have a sizeable list of books I'd like to get For now I have the following on the way...


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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by TAYLORPUPPY View Post
    I just got this book a few months ago. The pens it shows are awesome
    Paul's book is one of my all-time favorites. I always badger him at pen shows to do a new edition.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    I'm sure you will enjoy it and find it useful.
    Big kudos to Deb - this just arrived and looks magnificent! Can't wait to lose hours of my life inside this book...

    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    I didn't know Luiz was a pen book author! What's the copyright year?

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    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I didn't know Luiz was a pen book author! What's the copyright year?
    My copy, much worn with reference, is 2007.

    Jon, I'm sure it will be a great read for you as it was for me, and a very reliable source of information.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I didn't know Luiz was a pen book author! What's the copyright year?
    My copy, much worn with reference, is 2007.

    Jon, I'm sure it will be a great read for you as it was for me, and a very reliable source of information.
    Yes, mine is 2007 as well. Nice to have a brand new copy. Deb, I just hope I don't drop it on my foot!
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I didn't know Luiz was a pen book author! What's the copyright year?
    My copy, much worn with reference, is 2007.

    Jon, I'm sure it will be a great read for you as it was for me, and a very reliable source of information.
    Yes, mine is 2007 as well. Nice to have a brand new copy. Deb, I just hope I don't drop it on my foot!
    It's one of those books that suggests a reading stand. It's also a free workout every time you hunt down a pen.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

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    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I didn't know Luiz was a pen book author! What's the copyright year?
    I think he's quite modest about his achievement.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    You can always look at this website:
    http://www.booksaboutpens.com/catalo...=entrance_page
    gary

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by kazoolaw View Post
    You can always look at this website:
    http://www.booksaboutpens.com/catalo...=entrance_page
    gary
    Yes, a good resource - mentioned in post #5 above, as well.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Senior Member Wahl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Books about Pen History?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I didn't know Luiz was a pen book author! What's the copyright year?
    My copy, much worn with reference, is 2007.

    Jon, I'm sure it will be a great read for you as it was for me, and a very reliable source of information.
    Yes, mine is 2007 as well. Nice to have a brand new copy. Deb, I just hope I don't drop it on my foot!
    Mine is also from 2007, dedicated to me by Luiz and Joao

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