Typewriters

Even though I have become dependent on the personal computer for both work and play I retain a fondness for typewriters (at this point one of my kids would say, “Typewriter? What’s that?”). Much of that has to do with the physicality of them as objects. Typewriters were a part of my growing up. My father was, for a good portion of his life, what was then refered to as an office machine repairman (before the terms “technician” or “engineer” were tagged onto just about any job description). His business spread between shop and home, and at times we had dozens of typewriters and office calculators (the huge metal hand-crank-levered pre-digital kinds) around the house.

Even though I sold my last personal typewriter over 22 years ago, every once in a while I get the urge to get one, not so much as a writing tool as a much as a memento. Some of those old Underwoods and Royals have a certain aesthetic to them. And plenty are to be had on eBay if you are ever in the market for an object whose obsolescence has rendered its practicality to that of a hefty paperweight. But, I’m not as ambitious as Richard Polt, a more enthusiatic collector than I ever hope to be. See his impressive collection here.

But, there may be some life left in old technology yet. Read, “Why Typewriters Beat Computers” (BBC News Magazine May 30, 2008).

And just for fun, here’s a selection of Leroy Anderson’s piece, The Typewriter (turn up the volume on your computer!).