Although I had used fountain pens pretty much continuously since the 5th grade (1969), I hadn't been aware of the amazing, creative world of making fountain pens until several years ago. That discovery revealed a voracious appetite in me. At first, just wanting more pens (and more knowledge about them), then enthusiasm about inks and paper, and then, how people write with them. This video is a fabulous encouragement to seeing how I can write with them. Thank you!
Thanks so much, My Friend! I appreciate it. I just saw your other comment as well. Thanks so much for watching. There may be other videos here that interest you as well. Speak soon.
So awesome! I brought out a partially used notebook and started practicing a few weeks ago. It’s been slow going partly because of time but also because I needed some motivation. Your handwriting library idea is brilliant! Now I plan to look up some handwriting and use it as a basis for practicing. Thank you!! 🙏🏻
The handwriting library is a wonderful idea because you learn how to read other styles of cursive. Your brain learns to adapt to every stroke, and then you can picture in your head someone who is sitting down to write something and he or she is taking his or her time to find the best fountain pen, dip pen, or ink to represent what he or she wants to express. Thank you for your video presentation. Take care.
I have tried many times to alter my handwriting for the better, but I always revert back to what I learned in grade school. One of the perils of getting old(er). 😄
Thank you so much for revisiting this. After your last video about it, I started a new Improve My Handwriting notebook in which to copy and practice letter styles which have been used by others in their handwriting.. it’s a rich and varied subject and I.m finding it endlessly fascinating. It has also had the effect of making me take more care and consideration when writing so, hopefully, I will gradually see some improvements there!
Only discovered your channel about a week ago and have found several helpful ideas; this is one of them. I got into fountain pens some years ago to make practicing my handwriting more interesting. The actual goal was to get better control a tremor in my right hand. Creating a library of various handwriting examples is a new idea to me, and will get me back to practicing on a regular basis again. Thanks very much for the idea.
Thanks very much for watching. It means the world to me. I am so glad to provide some inspiration. I have a pinched nerve in my right arm that gives me a numbing pain down its length, so I can relate a bit to what you are going through. I have more handwriting ideas and inspirations coming up. Thanks for watching.
I miss your "Welcome to the Channel" intro haha! - As always, great video! Quickest 10 minutes of my life. I do like the way you write your capital W's and have incorporated it into my own handwriting. Thank you for all of your inspiration, Hemingway. Thanks to you, I have a growing collection of journals and fountain pens that have tremendously helped my mental health. Your efforts are appreciated by all of us. ~ ADL
So sorry! I do that sometimes, the issue is that 30% of people drop off sometimes. It is a challenge keeping people interested. Happy to share a “W!” So happy to help and to keep you inspired! You inspire me too.
It’s wonderful to take bits of what you like from others handwriting to evolve into your own unique style. I have been watching handwriting videos and while I’m amazed at perfect handwriting, it almost lacks personality for me.
That is an excellent point! I think you may notice that I gravitate toward interesting and not perfect. Sometimes you need a little chaos in there to give it personality and presence. Thanks for watching!
Well Hemingway, that was a lovely video, you made it very interesting and out of something so simple, really enjoyed it and it's given me inspiration too, especially as I love to write, thank you
I love looking at handwriting from the past and creating a library like this is a great idea, HJ. There are idiosyncrasies in everyone’s handwriting of course, but I much admire the precision achieved by writers in previous eras - no doubt a result of the handwriting classes that are now sadly a thing of the past in the schools here. I like also to look at illuminated manuscripts (those available online or in reproduction, sadly the real thing is beyond my pocketbook) with the blending of art and handwriting, not least the drolleries in some of the margins and the comments of the scribes in the text. Great fun.
Oh, that is a very cool idea to collect handwriting in a library by copying it. I think I will adopt this. Btw, do you know the book "Great Diaries"? It shows the world's most remarkable diaries, journals, notebooks, and letters from Ancient Egypt to the present. I love this book.
Handwriting library is a great idea. I have been buying calligraphy and Spencerian drill books from Amazon. They are inexpensive and fun although looking back can sometimes be a little cringeworthy. I wonder if I have any motor control or power of concentration whatsoever. I never skip bye your videos Mr. Jones,I enjoy each and every one and have come to admire you very much indeed Neal
Thanks Hemingway! I've always been interested in other people's handwriting, but never thought to catalogue it or make a library. You've inspired me! I'm going to follow your example!
Kudos, Hemingway, on another interesting subject and informative, helpful content. As a trial lawyer, I practiced handwriting in the very worst possible way--scribbling notes during depositions, trials and meetings as fast as possible and using as many abbreviations as possible in an effort to capture as much as was being said as I could. Thus, when I retired at the end of 45 years, my hand was legible only to me. And not always to me! Therefore, when I really got hooked on the fountain pen hobby, I set about to improve my chicken scratch. I turned to many sources for ideas and eventually pieced together a program that included most of your suggestions and inspirations. I never wrote it down, however. So it is good to know that if any of the people with whom I've spoken about our hobby express an interest in learning more about improving their handwriting, I can point them to this video. While my cursive has improved significantly over the years, I still enjoy "appropriating" ideas from writers, like you, whose hand I find appealing. Like you, I find the Declaration an excellent resource. The letters to their families of Civil War soldiers are also inspiring. To think that the enlisted men, most of whom probably had no formal education, produced such lovely, thoughtful prose is humbling. And inspiring. One of the best bits of advice I found when I started trying to improve was simply to slow down. I also read that I could anticipate writing more quickly while remaining legible as I practiced. What I didn't realize was that improvement in that area would come so much more slowly for me than did just improving the appearance of my cursive. I wonder if that has been your experience, too? Or of others from whom you've heard on the subject? Not that I "feel the need for speed" now that I'm retired, but it would be nice to write just a bit quicker. 😉
Hello, My Friend, thanks very much for the kind words! I appreciate it. For me, slowing down helps somewhat. I tend to write in weird positions and places, so that is a big part of it. I didn’t have the aesthetics for it; the internal picture of what would or would not look good, then I would do it and realize that it looks terrible! Investigating others has been helping.
I want to order a Lamy calligraphy nib, per your review on Lamy Safary where you say you're enjoying that more. Was it the 1.5? thanks. Regarding the handwriting library, I love the idea of doing something like this. Such a great way to celebrate, remember, and contemplate the peoples in our lives and or our memories of them. Almost a guided meditation that allows you to run your hand over their textured expression and feel them. I love observing peoples handwritings.
Unique idea, thanks for illustrating the journal for handwriting samples. Almost akin to the guest book at a church, inn, or other reception spot less the mandatory signatures.
In terms of clarity and legibility, my handwriting improved in 1992, when I got an Apple Newton. Regardless of the high end functions it was supposed to perform, it became a kind of constant patient tutor for improving handwriting, just so the thing would work. Never got tired, never criticized, just set a very stable standard for good penmanship.
Hi Hemingway. I think there must be a link between how we hold a fountain pen and our style of handwriting. Your own grip of a pen is different to mine and I've seen many other variations as I watch pen videos. For example, how do ladies with long false fingernails manage to hold a pen? Then there is the writing instrument itself. Some pen and nib combinations enhance handwriting more than others. It is always rewarding, I think, to examine old documents and study the writing. I collect old books and often there are inscriptions in the margins or at the foot of the page that are maybe over a hundred years old. That said, one pen reviewer I enjoy believes it's all about getting ideas down on paper. To a certain extent that is very true. That is probably why I have two styles of handwriting. My best, when journaling or sending letters and my worst when taking quick notes or doodling at work!
Do you ever find yourself looking at ancient handwriting and wondering what sort of nib they used? I do this all the time. Flex, stub? You make excellent points! For me, I like to get ideas down, but the process is equally important. Sometimes I sit to write, then conjure the ideas. Thanks so much for the thought provoking comment.
Great idea! Planning how characters should appear is a great help, and studying other's styles sounds like a good way to get ideas. Two years ago, back in the days of cheap stick pens, my handwriting was self-encrypting. Now it's legible enough to be self-incriminating if I don't watch what I say. I count that as an improvement.
Hello HJ. This was a fun video. I personally enjoy collecting ephemeral letters from the past. My belief is that people put a greater emphasis on handwriting than they do now. It is such a pleasure to indulge some time to viewing a lost art. Very cool subject in today's video. Keep them coming.
This is a great idea. I already keep a commonplace book of quotes to improve my handwriting. However, examining the use of each letter in different styles is spot on.
Hi HJ ... you will probably like my 1st-1st of the Finca Vigia edition of The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway. My poor man's collection of a few 1st edition, 1st printings is one of my happy places!
My Mother told me she learned to write with dip pens in school. They had to learn penmanship as a subject. She had beautiful handwriting. People would ask her to do invitations or special letters. She didn't do calligraphy, just had beautiful writing. I tried to get her to use one of my fountain pens before she passed but she didn't want to use one! LOL. Now I use my pens with my messing handwriting, although I admit I try to write steadily if I have a good pen. I can't believe that so many kids now don't even know how to write in cursive!!!!
One of the most lovely handwritings I’ve ever seen, which I’ve been trying to replicate, is the P22 Marcel font, from the book Marcel’s Letters. A really really fascinating read for anyone interested in handwriting and script (and WW2!).
What an interesting idea! I find myself reading through old documents, mostly from the early 20th century, and enjoy the handwriting very much. I have incoperated some handwriting 'details' in my handwriting, but I never had the thought of doing something like you did. I will most probably try it when I get my hands on a new journal. And by the way: very great work again, you certainly exceed my expectation everytime with these videos👍
Thank you! You are very kind! I am so glad that you enjoyed this one. This is an evolving project, so I am sure it will circle back to it again soon. Thanks for watching!
this is my favorite video of yours. I’m starting my own handwriting library as I was inspired by you and your content! I find others handwriting fascinating, especially those from history. I’m in Texas, where can I find a place to find a lot of old handwriting?
Wonderful! Thanks so much! Happy to provide some inspiration. Check on line for a bunch of stuff. Libraries. Museums. It’s all out there. Good luck and stop by again soon.
Well…I have among so many other fountain pens and accessories similar to you yours (let’s just say the same stuff ) such as this exact same book… I should probably use it for hand writing. Enjoy the video. Thanks. ☺️👍🏻
That’s what got me going with this project; I really liked the book and I wasn’t doing anything with it. It seemed like a waste and so I came up with this. I thought it would help my handwriting and it also makes for a nice backdrop for B Roll. Thanks for watching!
@@HemingwayJones definitely! I like the way you’ve taken the time to look up historic writings, very interesting and then to watch you copy it is pretty cool.
I appreciate the effort that went into making this video and all of your videos. All very interesting I might add. My handwriting isn't the best as you will see. But I wouldn't trade it for anyone else's either. I am dedicated to writing somewhat more legibly now that I've found you and your great channel. But my personal style is exclusively mine and I can't figure out why I would want to change it or alter it. To each his own. All the best.
Palaeography: (from greek Old Writing) -- The study of old writting, especially as it applies to dating manuscripts. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaeography One of the most amazing handwriting feats was when (parts of) the previously unknown Jubilate Agno (Rejoice in the Lamb) by the poet Chistopher Smart (1722-1771) was discovered in a attic in the early 20th century.. Some scholar recognized his handwriting.
Very interesting video, never thought about doing this before. I might have to try it. I have a Galen Leather everyday book with Tomoe River paper that I have no idea what to do with or I have a Midori MD with the same problem. I really Just wanted to see if I liked the Midori and I do. It's a perfect journal paper. No bleed through in my experience and not really any feathering, but dries quicker. Might have to do this in one of those. Thanks for the good idea Hemingway Jones! haha
That almost never happens, to be honest, but I do have a Waterman Expert with a Pilot G5 Rollerball insert, for when I don’t want to draw any attention to myself. All the best!
I largely base my handwriting on a style of cursive which featured in a series called Milner Cursive, which sadly no longer seems to be on UA-cam. I believe the presenter was Evan Milner.
Thanks for a fun and interesting video. Nice handwriting is something I have been struggling with since I first stated writing when I was about 4 years old. Using the excuse that my handwriting is something less than desirable because I am left-handed, is a lame excuse. I know lefties who have beautiful handwriting. I actually blame my father, who taught me how to write when I was about 4. He taught me cursive. I didn't learn how to print until I was in first grade. A few months ago, I was looking for something in my desk and came across a letter my father had written me when I was in college. What a shocker when I realized how much my handwriting looks like my father's.! I teach middle and high school students. I warn them at the beginning of the year that my handwriting is downright awful. When they see it, they agree. After writing something on the board, I had a student say, "Wow, your handwriting is awful. You weren't kidding!" That always makes me chuckle when I think of that comment. :) To my credit, I have been working on making my handwriting better since I got back into writing with fountain pens about 5 years ago. I go back and see how much better my handwriting looks today as compared to 4 and 5 years ago. It still isn't like some of the beautiful handwriting you showed in examples, but my handwriting is still a work in progress. :) Anyway, thanks for such a thoughtful video.
Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story. It is a challenge for a left handed writer. We are all on a journey. I suppose it's important for us all to enjoy the process. All the best!
What is a "haitch?" ;) Seriously, though, I like this idea a lot. I doubt I have the personal gumption to pursue it, but the beauty of handwriting - functional handwriting - should not be ignored. It's not about studying illuminated manuscripts. As you have shown, it's about taking note of how someone who has written 20,000 cursive s's writes their s. The memorized hand motion that creates the s is somehow a reflection of the psyche.
That's a great idea, even just looking at, and inspecting or admiring the handwriting of great minds. I was watching this video a couple days ago, while driving in rush hour, lol, so I couldn't really watch or look at you examples, but I started thinking about who's handwriting I would like to scrutinize when I got home, and one name, without hesitation, struck upon my my mind like a bolt of lightning -- and that was Thomas Jefferson. No sooner did I have that thought, and "voila," like the thunder that follows a lightning strike, a few seconds later, who did YOU mention -- Thomas Jefferson lol. Then I though, this Hemingway guy is pretty cool! In the 21'st century, I didn't expect anyone to even know who Jefferson was, lest it be for the wrong, and very manufactured, cancerous reasons. Yes, you are weird...But the right kind of weird, so I mean that as a complement and in this sense: “Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on some lofty solitude.” -Arthur Schopenhauer. I suspect you are a bit of a loner which is what Schopenhauer is suggesting. I'm also pretty sure that Schopenhauer specifically recommends that people journal. If you think you are weird in a BAD way, check out Schopenhauer's essays; you'll know otherwise afterwords. Arthur Schopenhauer made me realize that I WAS NOT so screwed-up and broken as appearances would indicate. In many ways he read my mind to me, and then I understood. Not to suggest I'm smart like him, but I'm not such a lost cause, and in fact have reason to be proud. Schopenhauer's book "Councils and Maxims" is a treasure chest of common sense/wisdom, and he's a pretty good writer, so he's easy to listen to, or read. And grâce à Christopher Anadale here on UA-cam, I discovered this book, because he read it in a series of recent videos. Anadale is a philosophy professor who has a YT channel. If you're lazy like me, and prefer to listen rather than read, or even if you're not a sloth like me, but you like philosophical things, he has a lot of good videos. There's also a good channel called "Weltgiest" who talks a lot about Schopenhauer. I think the guy narrating Welgiest is German, he as a cool accent, and a very pleasant voice. Now I'll have to look up Schopenhauer's cursif writing. Well, I must say any admirer of Thomas Jefferson and the Founding Fathers is a friend of mine! Good video.
Thank you so much for the kind words and the excellent and interesting comment. I am so glad you enjoyed this and all the many diversions in my presentation. Stop by again soon.
I am SERIOUSLY fighting the urge to do this only because I am on a new writing journey myself - I took a really wonderful calligraphy course with @MissMarilynDarlling and am still trying to get my own style going. That said, I really do love this and feel like it could enable me to buy more notebooks that I don't need, 🤣 "Have we really reached a high level of nerdiness here? I hope so." This is when I knew without reservation that I had REALLY found true belonging on the internet, I just adore this space that you've created for us.
Fascinating, never considered looking at historical figure's handwriting.
Yes, it’s in this video. Jefferson and a few others. I’ve gone on to do Hemingway and more.
I’ll update this again.
Although I had used fountain pens pretty much continuously since the 5th grade (1969), I hadn't been aware of the amazing, creative world of making fountain pens until several years ago. That discovery revealed a voracious appetite in me. At first, just wanting more pens (and more knowledge about them), then enthusiasm about inks and paper, and then, how people write with them. This video is a fabulous encouragement to seeing how I can write with them. Thank you!
Thanks so much, My Friend! I appreciate it. I just saw your other comment as well. Thanks so much for watching. There may be other videos here that interest you as well. Speak soon.
So awesome! I brought out a partially used notebook and started practicing a few weeks ago. It’s been slow going partly because of time but also because I needed some motivation. Your handwriting library idea is brilliant! Now I plan to look up some handwriting and use it as a basis for practicing. Thank you!! 🙏🏻
Thanks so much! I am glad you are enjoying it.
I really liked this idea. A great way to practice and improve handwriting.
Thank you very much! It’s a fun exercise and I have been keeping up with it. Thanks!
I like this approach. I like the idea of keeping a library of handwriting.
Thanks very much!
The handwriting library is a wonderful idea because you learn how to read other styles of cursive. Your brain learns to adapt to every stroke, and then you can picture in your head someone who is sitting down to write something and he or she is taking his or her time to find the best fountain pen, dip pen, or ink to represent what he or she wants to express. Thank you for your video presentation. Take care.
Thanks so much, John, for the encouraging words. I appreciate your being here.
Please bring us more cursive. I love it.❤
Yes! Always!!!
I have tried many times to alter my handwriting for the better, but I always revert back to what I learned in grade school. One of the perils of getting old(er). 😄
I know the feeling. I do the same, but I think it is getting better. I rather like yours.
Thank you so much for revisiting this. After your last video about it, I started a new Improve My Handwriting notebook in which to copy and practice letter styles which have been used by others in their handwriting.. it’s a rich and varied subject and I.m finding it endlessly fascinating. It has also had the effect of making me take more care and consideration when writing so, hopefully, I will gradually see some improvements there!
Wonderful! So glad! We will circle back from time to time.
Very nerdy, I loved it!
Nerdy is my specialty! Thanks so much!
3 minutes in and it's starting to sound genius.
Thank you! That is terrifically kind of you to say.
Only discovered your channel about a week ago and have found several helpful ideas; this is one of them. I got into fountain pens some years ago to make practicing my handwriting more interesting. The actual goal was to get better control a tremor in my right hand. Creating a library of various handwriting examples is a new idea to me, and will get me back to practicing on a regular basis again. Thanks very much for the idea.
Thanks very much for watching. It means the world to me. I am so glad to provide some inspiration. I have a pinched nerve in my right arm that gives me a numbing pain down its length, so I can relate a bit to what you are going through. I have more handwriting ideas and inspirations coming up. Thanks for watching.
Delightful nerdiness! 😊
Thank you!
I miss your "Welcome to the Channel" intro haha! - As always, great video! Quickest 10 minutes of my life. I do like the way you write your capital W's and have incorporated it into my own handwriting. Thank you for all of your inspiration, Hemingway. Thanks to you, I have a growing collection of journals and fountain pens that have tremendously helped my mental health. Your efforts are appreciated by all of us. ~ ADL
So sorry! I do that sometimes, the issue is that 30% of people drop off sometimes. It is a challenge keeping people interested. Happy to share a “W!” So happy to help and to keep you inspired! You inspire me too.
What a great idea. Handwriting Library!!!
Thank you!
It’s wonderful to take bits of what you like from others handwriting to evolve into your own unique style. I have been watching handwriting videos and while I’m amazed at perfect handwriting, it almost lacks personality for me.
That is an excellent point! I think you may notice that I gravitate toward interesting and not perfect. Sometimes you need a little chaos in there to give it personality and presence. Thanks for watching!
Well Hemingway, that was a lovely video, you made it very interesting and out of something so simple, really enjoyed it and it's given me inspiration too, especially as I love to write, thank you
Thanks so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
also, I reiterate my compliment on this new filming angle of your study, I like it a lot
Thank you! I am going wider and possibly hand-held, depending on my wife’s availability!
I love looking at handwriting from the past and creating a library like this is a great idea, HJ. There are idiosyncrasies in everyone’s handwriting of course, but I much admire the precision achieved by writers in previous eras - no doubt a result of the handwriting classes that are now sadly a thing of the past in the schools here. I like also to look at illuminated manuscripts (those available online or in reproduction, sadly the real thing is beyond my pocketbook) with the blending of art and handwriting, not least the drolleries in some of the margins and the comments of the scribes in the text. Great fun.
Truly! Those Illuminate Manuscripts are amazing. Some of the ambitious journallers do similar things. Thanks so much for checking in.
Oh, that is a very cool idea to collect handwriting in a library by copying it. I think I will adopt this. Btw, do you know the book "Great Diaries"? It shows the world's most remarkable diaries, journals, notebooks, and letters from Ancient Egypt to the present. I love this book.
I don’t know that book, but it sounds interesting. Thanks for telling me about it. Thank you!
Handwriting library is a great idea. I have been buying calligraphy and Spencerian drill books from Amazon. They are inexpensive and fun although looking back can sometimes be a little cringeworthy. I wonder if I have any motor control or power of concentration whatsoever. I never skip bye your videos Mr. Jones,I enjoy each and every one and have come to admire you very much indeed Neal
Thank you, Neal! I appreciate it very much.
Good idea. Its always smart to keep references of what you want to emulate in your own life.
Absolutely! Thank you!
I got started again when I saw my Father's Baptismal certificate from 1905. I cannot describe how beautiful it was.
My favorite “a” is the fancy a as seen here. It almost feels like writing the number 2 with a loop to link it to the next letter.
Thanks Hemingway! I've always been interested in other people's handwriting, but never thought to catalogue it or make a library. You've inspired me! I'm going to follow your example!
Thank you so much! Happy to provide some inspiration! Thanks for being here.
Kudos, Hemingway, on another interesting subject and informative, helpful content.
As a trial lawyer, I practiced handwriting in the very worst possible way--scribbling notes during depositions, trials and meetings as fast as possible and using as many abbreviations as possible in an effort to capture as much as was being said as I could. Thus, when I retired at the end of 45 years, my hand was legible only to me. And not always to me!
Therefore, when I really got hooked on the fountain pen hobby, I set about to improve my chicken scratch. I turned to many sources for ideas and eventually pieced together a program that included most of your suggestions and inspirations. I never wrote it down, however. So it is good to know that if any of the people with whom I've spoken about our hobby express an interest in learning more about improving their handwriting, I can point them to this video.
While my cursive has improved significantly over the years, I still enjoy "appropriating" ideas from writers, like you, whose hand I find appealing. Like you, I find the Declaration an excellent resource. The letters to their families of Civil War soldiers are also inspiring. To think that the enlisted men, most of whom probably had no formal education, produced such lovely, thoughtful prose is humbling. And inspiring.
One of the best bits of advice I found when I started trying to improve was simply to slow down. I also read that I could anticipate writing more quickly while remaining legible as I practiced. What I didn't realize was that improvement in that area would come so much more slowly for me than did just improving the appearance of my cursive. I wonder if that has been your experience, too? Or of others from whom you've heard on the subject? Not that I "feel the need for speed" now that I'm retired, but it would be nice to write just a bit quicker. 😉
Hello, My Friend, thanks very much for the kind words! I appreciate it. For me, slowing down helps somewhat. I tend to write in weird positions and places, so that is a big part of it. I didn’t have the aesthetics for it; the internal picture of what would or would not look good, then I would do it and realize that it looks terrible! Investigating others has been helping.
I want to order a Lamy calligraphy nib, per your review on Lamy Safary where you say you're enjoying that more. Was it the 1.5? thanks. Regarding the handwriting library, I love the idea of doing something like this. Such a great way to celebrate, remember, and contemplate the peoples in our lives and or our memories of them. Almost a guided meditation that allows you to run your hand over their textured expression and feel them. I love observing peoples handwritings.
Thanks so much! It’s 1.1mm, I believe. I took it off of a Lamy Joy. Thanks so much!
Unique idea, thanks for illustrating the journal for handwriting samples. Almost akin to the guest book at a church, inn, or other reception spot less the mandatory signatures.
I'd love to get my hands on an old registry. Awesome! Thanks!
In terms of clarity and legibility, my handwriting improved in 1992, when I got an Apple Newton. Regardless of the high end functions it was supposed to perform, it became a kind of constant patient tutor for improving handwriting, just so the thing would work. Never got tired, never criticized, just set a very stable standard for good penmanship.
That is a wonderful story. Thanks for this comment.
This is what I have been thinking about the past couple of days! Yes I need to start one
Wonderful! Good luck with it.
Great video HJ. The handwriting library is both beautiful and very practical.
Thanks Gino!
Hi Hemingway. I think there must be a link between how we hold a fountain pen and our style of handwriting. Your own grip of a pen is different to mine and I've seen many other variations as I watch pen videos. For example, how do ladies with long false fingernails manage to hold a pen? Then there is the writing instrument itself. Some pen and nib combinations enhance handwriting more than others. It is always rewarding, I think, to examine old documents and study the writing. I collect old books and often there are inscriptions in the margins or at the foot of the page that are maybe over a hundred years old. That said, one pen reviewer I enjoy believes it's all about getting ideas down on paper. To a certain extent that is very true. That is probably why I have two styles of handwriting. My best, when journaling or sending letters and my worst when taking quick notes or doodling at work!
Do you ever find yourself looking at ancient handwriting and wondering what sort of nib they used? I do this all the time. Flex, stub? You make excellent points!
For me, I like to get ideas down, but the process is equally important. Sometimes I sit to write, then conjure the ideas.
Thanks so much for the thought provoking comment.
Great idea! Planning how characters should appear is a great help, and studying other's styles sounds like a good way to get ideas.
Two years ago, back in the days of cheap stick pens, my handwriting was self-encrypting. Now it's legible enough to be self-incriminating if I don't watch what I say.
I count that as an improvement.
Nice! Thanks for the kind words!
this is an S tier video! Love this, keep us updated!
Thank you very much!
Hello HJ. This was a fun video. I personally enjoy collecting ephemeral letters from the past. My belief is that people put a greater emphasis on handwriting than they do now. It is such a pleasure to indulge some time to viewing a lost art. Very cool subject in today's video. Keep them coming.
Thanks very much for watching! Collecting letters is an awesome idea! Thanks for watching.
I'm going to make my own handwriting library, i really love the idea and how you're developing it.
Thanks so much! I’m sure yours will be awesome!
This is a great idea. I already keep a commonplace book of quotes to improve my handwriting. However, examining the use of each letter in different styles is spot on.
Thank you!
Hi HJ ... you will probably like my 1st-1st of the Finca Vigia edition of The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway. My poor man's collection of a few 1st edition, 1st printings is one of my happy places!
That sounds wonderful. I have always wanted to go down there.
I *love* this concept
Thank you!
Love, love, love this idea of a handwriting journal and especially the copy work of others styles. Excellent video.
Thank you very much!
My Mother told me she learned to write with dip pens in school. They had to learn penmanship as a subject. She had beautiful handwriting. People would ask her to do invitations or special letters. She didn't do calligraphy, just had beautiful writing. I tried to get her to use one of my fountain pens before she passed but she didn't want to use one! LOL. Now I use my pens with my messing handwriting, although I admit I try to write steadily if I have a good pen. I can't believe that so many kids now don't even know how to write in cursive!!!!
What a wonderful story! We had penmanship in school too. It didn’t help me as much as your mother. She sounds like she was amazing. All the best.
@@HemingwayJones She was special. Thank you!
What a great idea! Love it!
Thank you! Cheers!
Hey Hemingway!!! You should do a segment on fountain pens for kids..sense back to school is happening again soon.
I am filming a “5 Best Pens for Back to School” this weekend!
Awesome!!! Man I wish I was into fountain pens back then when I was a kid
One of the most lovely handwritings I’ve ever seen, which I’ve been trying to replicate, is the P22 Marcel font, from the book Marcel’s Letters. A really really fascinating read for anyone interested in handwriting and script (and WW2!).
I shall seek it out. Thank you!
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll look into it.
Great video! You have amazing handwriting. I do need to go back to practicing mine.
You are too kind! I appreciate it though. Glad you enjoyed it.
What an interesting idea! I find myself reading through old documents, mostly from the early 20th century, and enjoy the handwriting very much. I have incoperated some handwriting 'details' in my handwriting, but I never had the thought of doing something like you did. I will most probably try it when I get my hands on a new journal.
And by the way: very great work again, you certainly exceed my expectation everytime with these videos👍
Thank you! You are very kind! I am so glad that you enjoyed this one. This is an evolving project, so I am sure it will circle back to it again soon. Thanks for watching!
this is my favorite video of yours. I’m starting my own handwriting library as I was inspired by you and your content! I find others handwriting fascinating, especially those from history. I’m in Texas, where can I find a place to find a lot of old handwriting?
Wonderful! Thanks so much! Happy to provide some inspiration. Check on line for a bunch of stuff. Libraries. Museums. It’s all out there. Good luck and stop by again soon.
Well…I have among so many other fountain pens and accessories similar to you yours (let’s just say the same stuff ) such as this exact same book… I should probably use it for hand writing. Enjoy the video. Thanks. ☺️👍🏻
That’s what got me going with this project; I really liked the book and I wasn’t doing anything with it. It seemed like a waste and so I came up with this. I thought it would help my handwriting and it also makes for a nice backdrop for B Roll. Thanks for watching!
@@HemingwayJones definitely! I like the way you’ve taken the time to look up historic writings, very interesting and then to watch you copy it is pretty cool.
That is a neat idea. I may start as well. I am not good at following through though! Great video! I enjoyed it.
Thanks so much! I am glad that you enjoyed it!
I appreciate the effort that went into making this video and all of your videos. All very interesting I might add. My handwriting isn't the best as you will see. But I wouldn't trade it for anyone else's either. I am dedicated to writing somewhat more legibly now that I've found you and your great channel. But my personal style is exclusively mine and I can't figure out why I would want to change it or alter it. To each his own. All the best.
Your handwriting is expressive and that is the best! It’s been the joy of the letter exchange; seeing everyone’s style. All the best!
Hello, H.J. Where did you grow up? Your dialect is so unique and interesting.
Philadelphia. Thank you!
Palaeography: (from greek Old Writing) -- The study of old writting, especially as it applies to dating manuscripts. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaeography One of the most amazing handwriting feats was when (parts of) the previously unknown Jubilate Agno (Rejoice in the Lamb) by the poet Chistopher Smart (1722-1771) was discovered in a attic in the early 20th century.. Some scholar recognized his handwriting.
That is wonderful! Thanks for the information. It is a huge help!
Very interesting video, never thought about doing this before. I might have to try it. I have a Galen Leather everyday book with Tomoe River paper that I have no idea what to do with or I have a Midori MD with the same problem. I really Just wanted to see if I liked the Midori and I do. It's a perfect journal paper. No bleed through in my experience and not really any feathering, but dries quicker. Might have to do this in one of those. Thanks for the good idea Hemingway Jones! haha
Happy to help! Wish you all the best!
This reminds me of the old practice of keeping a commonplace book. Are you familiar with it?
I am. Very much so. We will be speaking about that on the channel soon.
Hemmingway i read somewhere that our handwriting tells what is happening in our thoughts at the time.
It's truly personal
Quite possibly!
Would be interested to know what you go for when a fountain pen will not do.
That almost never happens, to be honest, but I do have a Waterman Expert with a Pilot G5 Rollerball insert, for when I don’t want to draw any attention to myself. All the best!
I largely base my handwriting on a style of cursive which featured in a series called Milner Cursive, which sadly no longer seems to be on UA-cam. I believe the presenter was Evan Milner.
Sounds interesting. Thanks!
Everyone has different hand. Writing, from fountain 🖋️ to feather 🪶 pens frank in Oswego I'll my stipula will be back some from yafa.
Very true, My Friend!
What the name of yr pen cases,frank
Thanks for a fun and interesting video. Nice handwriting is something I have been struggling with since I first stated writing when I was about 4 years old. Using the excuse that my handwriting is something less than desirable because I am left-handed, is a lame excuse. I know lefties who have beautiful handwriting. I actually blame my father, who taught me how to write when I was about 4. He taught me cursive. I didn't learn how to print until I was in first grade. A few months ago, I was looking for something in my desk and came across a letter my father had written me when I was in college. What a shocker when I realized how much my handwriting looks like my father's.!
I teach middle and high school students. I warn them at the beginning of the year that my handwriting is downright awful. When they see it, they agree. After writing something on the board, I had a student say, "Wow, your handwriting is awful. You weren't kidding!" That always makes me chuckle when I think of that comment. :)
To my credit, I have been working on making my handwriting better since I got back into writing with fountain pens about 5 years ago. I go back and see how much better my handwriting looks today as compared to 4 and 5 years ago. It still isn't like some of the beautiful handwriting you showed in examples, but my handwriting is still a work in progress. :)
Anyway, thanks for such a thoughtful video.
Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story. It is a challenge for a left handed writer. We are all on a journey. I suppose it's important for us all to enjoy the process. All the best!
Is it good to start our own handwriting by practicing some one one take it and practice like that ?
It is certainly one way to start. It helps to keep me inspired.
What is a "haitch?" ;) Seriously, though, I like this idea a lot. I doubt I have the personal gumption to pursue it, but the beauty of handwriting - functional handwriting - should not be ignored. It's not about studying illuminated manuscripts. As you have shown, it's about taking note of how someone who has written 20,000 cursive s's writes their s. The memorized hand motion that creates the s is somehow a reflection of the psyche.
That's a great idea, even just looking at, and inspecting or admiring the handwriting of great minds. I was watching this video a couple days ago, while driving in rush hour, lol, so I couldn't really watch or look at you examples, but I started thinking about who's handwriting I would like to scrutinize when I got home, and one name, without hesitation, struck upon my my mind like a bolt of lightning -- and that was Thomas Jefferson. No sooner did I have that thought, and "voila," like the thunder that follows a lightning strike, a few seconds later, who did YOU mention -- Thomas Jefferson lol. Then I though, this Hemingway guy is pretty cool! In the 21'st century, I didn't expect anyone to even know who Jefferson was, lest it be for the wrong, and very manufactured, cancerous reasons.
Yes, you are weird...But the right kind of weird, so I mean that as a complement and in this sense: “Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on some lofty solitude.” -Arthur Schopenhauer. I suspect you are a bit of a loner which is what Schopenhauer is suggesting. I'm also pretty sure that Schopenhauer specifically recommends that people journal. If you think you are weird in a BAD way, check out Schopenhauer's essays; you'll know otherwise afterwords. Arthur Schopenhauer made me realize that I WAS NOT so screwed-up and broken as appearances would indicate. In many ways he read my mind to me, and then I understood. Not to suggest I'm smart like him, but I'm not such a lost cause, and in fact have reason to be proud.
Schopenhauer's book "Councils and Maxims" is a treasure chest of common sense/wisdom, and he's a pretty good writer, so he's easy to listen to, or read. And grâce à Christopher Anadale here on UA-cam, I discovered this book, because he read it in a series of recent videos. Anadale is a philosophy professor who has a YT channel. If you're lazy like me, and prefer to listen rather than read, or even if you're not a sloth like me, but you like philosophical things, he has a lot of good videos. There's also a good channel called "Weltgiest" who talks a lot about Schopenhauer. I think the guy narrating Welgiest is German, he as a cool accent, and a very pleasant voice. Now I'll have to look up Schopenhauer's cursif writing.
Well, I must say any admirer of Thomas Jefferson and the Founding Fathers is a friend of mine! Good video.
Thank you so much for the kind words and the excellent and interesting comment. I am so glad you enjoyed this and all the many diversions in my presentation. Stop by again soon.
I am SERIOUSLY fighting the urge to do this only because I am on a new writing journey myself - I took a really wonderful calligraphy course with @MissMarilynDarlling and am still trying to get my own style going. That said, I really do love this and feel like it could enable me to buy more notebooks that I don't need, 🤣 "Have we really reached a high level of nerdiness here? I hope so." This is when I knew without reservation that I had REALLY found true belonging on the internet, I just adore this space that you've created for us.
Thank you so much! don’t forget how much you add to it. that’s why I had to use that quote. brilliant! thank you for being you.