Stuff You Should Know

Typewriters: Mechanical Brilliance

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Nov 22, 2022
Unearth the captivating history and mechanical genius behind typewriters, from their invention to their role in shaping modern communication. Discover how they opened doors for women in the workforce and influenced business practices. Join a festive discussion about charitable giving that raised nearly $1 million to fight poverty in Guatemala. Explore the evolution of keyboard layouts and dive into nostalgic anecdotes that celebrate the lasting cultural significance of these brilliant machines.
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ANECDOTE

First Typewritten Manuscript

  • Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi was the first typewritten manuscript.
  • He initially handwritten it, then his assistant transcribed it.
INSIGHT

Typewriters and Literature

  • Early writers questioned if typewriters meant dictating books.
  • They realized they could type themselves, opening up literature.
ANECDOTE

Typewriter Mechanics

  • The typewriter's carriage return lever is a marvel of mechanical engineering.
  • It automatically sets margins, making typing easier.
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