Vintage Typewriters: See How They Evolved over the Years

November 19, 2015 9:00 AM EST

The typewriter isn’t exactly a modern technology: a patent for something that sounds an awful lot like one can be found as early as 1714. But it was in the early 19th century that real, recognizable models began to be produced, and by the 1870s the typewriter was widespread. For the next 100-plus years, it would dominate as a mechanical writing device. And now in the computer age, as Richard Polt explores in his new book The Typewriter Revolution, many people are coming back to the typewriter by choice.

Here are just a few of the models that made their mark in typewriter history.

The Typewriter Revolution bookcover — Courtesy of The Typewriter Revolution

The Typewriter Revolution is now available in stores and online.

Royal No. 10 typewriter — The Royal No. 10. 1926.Courtesy of The Typewriter Revolution

Hermes Baby typewriter — The Hermes Baby was popular for decades and introduced in the 1930s. 1938.Courtesy of The Typewriter Revolution

Smith-Corona Silent-Super typewriter — The Smith-Corona Silent-Super was produced in the 1950s. 1956.Courtesy of The Typewriter Revolution

Underwood Deluxe Quiet Tab typewriter — The mid-century Underwood Deluxe Quiet Tab. 1956.Courtesy of The Typewriter Revolution

The Olivetti Lettera 22 known as an "ultraportable" was used by people such a Leonard Cohen and Sylvia Plath. ca. 1955Courtesy of The Typewriter Revolution

Gossen Tippa Pilot typewriter — The Gossen Tippa Pilot, another ultraportable model, was made in Germany and used by Stanley Kubrick. ca. 1955Courtesy of The Typewriter Revolution

See How Typewriters Evolved Over the Years

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