1886 - Manuscript spelling quizzes & experimental penmanship

Heavy card wraps with decorative paper lamination and plain label on cover, 6.75 x 4 inches. Edgewear including chipping at the top edge of the rear wrap, rubbing to spine. 40 lines pages; nine with spelling quiz lists signed by other students (the teacher likely had them pass their books around to be graded by each other) and four more pages pre-dated to the end of 1886 [with] Five loose paper scraps with spelling lists written by L. S. Fisher, each about 5 x 4 inches and on different paper stocks that appear contemporary or slightly earlier than Minnie's booklet. Light soil and discoloration but sturdy survivors.

Notably contemporary to the proliferation of printed copy books and spelling blanks, the sophistication of the language contrasts with the homely presentation. Likely New England, "East Hall" is, unhelpfully, the only location identified and the girls are presumed to be sisters (or cousins, etc). Elusive contextual specifics aside, the group is remarkable in capturing the idiosyncrasies of each writer's form, like Minnie's peculiar "s." L. makes a pained "q"--her examples are most remarkable for their attempts toward stylization. The formation of the letters is consistent, but small variations in slant and spacing feel emblematic of a young woman idly experimenting. Her attempt toward vertical script (increasingly in vogue as the 20th century drew near) is particularly awkward and delightful.