Economy Method of Writing: Book 8

8.75 x 8.5 inches. Square octavo sleeve with 51 narrow slips printed on both sides and attached with thread at each end. 25 original sheets of ruled paper and stiff card backing in pocket. First "cover" slip printed on blue paper nibbled around the edges and detached, otherwise a crisp example in Very Good condition. With the original printed envelope, a bit tattered but in Good condition.

The Laurel Economy Method of Writing was a tablet style variation that married the practices. Exercises are printed on narrow slips suspended from the board. The writer could slide their notepaper underneath, allowing the student to practice every line in the same close proximity to the printed slip, which gives a form example and written instructions specifying times, patterns, and sequences which contribute to the advanced grading. The student is suggested to sign each page and "file for future comparison." According to publisher's ads, the series was issued in 8 books and a revised edition was published in the late 1920s. Instructions are written in a conversational tone, emulating the presence of a friendly, over-eager writing instructor with asides like, “Which is your favorite? I like the second one.”

Envelope signed by Clara Biermann of Freistatt, Missouri. Includes 29 leaves of completed exercises, 25 which were originally provided with the tablet and 4 slightly narrower extras. All but 2 of the leaves have been used on both sides and represent nearly every exercise on the slips. The many pages of movement and form practice emerge as folk art drawings worthy of display, visually compelling, especially presented together. A rare copy of an advanced number in the series—even rarer for having the original work.