See How Typewriters Evolved Over the Years

1 minute read

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
Olivetti Lettera 22 known as an "ultraportable" was used by people such a Leonard Cohen and Sylvia Plath.
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

More Must-Reads From TIME

Write to Lily Rothman at lily.rothman@time.com