His textbook proved quite successful, selling one million copies by 1912. Emphasizing simplicity and speed, it allowed the writer to write quickly and effectively compete with the typewriter. The Spencerian System of Penmanship was a huge influence on Palmer, who, however, declared it too feminine and ornamental and set out to create his own method. Spencer (1840-1915) who following his service in the Civil War developed his Spencerian Script style of writing and in 1879 published the New Spencerian Compendium of Penmanship along with co-author Henry Flickinger. Gaskell in turn was influenced by Lyman P. 3 Gaskell (1845-1886) was the author of several books on the subject, including Gaskell’s Guide to Writing, first published in 1884, and Gaskell’s Guide Embracing Instructions in Plain and Ornamental Penmanship, 1885. Gaskell, Palmer was introduced to penmanship through the ornamental specimens that lined the walls of Gaskell’s office. While attending the business college of George A. Austin Norman Palmer was born in Fort Jackson, New York on December 22,1860. Thus ends 125 years of standardized classroom instruction known as “The Palmer Method.” Developed in 1888 by Austin Palmer, his book Palmer’s Guide to Business Writing was first published in 1894. Indeed, Hawaii and Indiana have dropped it all together.Īnd while a new national survey of elementary school teachers revealed that approximately 75 percent of second and third grade teachers still include cursive handwriting as part of their instruction there is no question that it is on the wane. According to an article in the The Baltimore Sun 1 46 states no longer include teaching cursive handwriting in their common core standards, making way for keyboard instruction.

This is the end result of a disturbing trend in K through 12 education. When handed a piece of paper and asked what it says, Rachel Jeantel, Trayvon Martin’s 19 year-old friend, after some hesitation replied, “I don’t read cursive.” It was the first time I heard someone of the youngest generation state this out loud, but it came as no surprise. In addition to the verdict, in my opinion, television viewers recently got to witness another travesty during the Zimmerman trial.

Spencerian vs palmer