Description

Book Synopsis

The lines, circles, ticks, hooks, dots and dashes of Pitman shorthand used by some postcard writers during the early twentieth century are obscure to most people. Could the mysterious messages contain scandalous gossip, tales of adventure or declarations of undying love?

Fifty Mysterious Postcards presents fascinating examples from the ‘Golden Age’ of the postcard, each with a message written in the dying art of Pitman shorthand. The rules of Pitman have changed since the postcards were written and posted over 100 years ago, but careful transcription has unlocked their meaning to bring stories of penfriends, sweethearts, holidays and the First World War to life once more.



Trade Review

“The format mostly features spreads with the postcards – beauty scenes, landmarks, cute animals – with the original name and address written longhand and the message in shorthand.”

* Best of British magazine *

Fifty Mysterious Postcards: Pitman Shorthand

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    A Paperback / softback by Kathryn Baird

    £14.39

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    RRP £15.99 – you save £1.60 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 2 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher The History Press Ltd
      Published 15 September 2022
      ISBN-13 9781803990460
      978-1803990460
      ISBN-10 1803990465
      Also in:
      Biography Published diaries, letters and journals Dictionaries, Reference & Language Palaeography History Nostalgia: general

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The lines, circles, ticks, hooks, dots and dashes of Pitman shorthand used by some postcard writers during the early twentieth century are obscure to most people. Could the mysterious messages contain scandalous gossip, tales of adventure or declarations of undying love?

      Fifty Mysterious Postcards presents fascinating examples from the ‘Golden Age’ of the postcard, each with a message written in the dying art of Pitman shorthand. The rules of Pitman have changed since the postcards were written and posted over 100 years ago, but careful transcription has unlocked their meaning to bring stories of penfriends, sweethearts, holidays and the First World War to life once more.



      Trade Review

      “The format mostly features spreads with the postcards – beauty scenes, landmarks, cute animals – with the original name and address written longhand and the message in shorthand.”

      * Best of British magazine *

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