The origin and progress of letters. An essay, in two parts. The first shewing when, and by whom letters were invented ; the formation of the alphabets of various nations : their manner of writing, on what materials, and with what instruments men have written in different ages to the present time wherein is considered the great utility of this art with regard to mankind The second part consists of a compendious account of the most celebrated English penmen, with the titles and characters of the books they have published. Both from the rolling and letter press interspersed with many interesting particulars by way of notes throughout the first part and the second is a new species of biography never attempted before in English the whole collected from undoubted authorities / by W. Massey.
- William Massey
- Date:
- 1763
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: The origin and progress of letters. An essay, in two parts. The first shewing when, and by whom letters were invented ; the formation of the alphabets of various nations : their manner of writing, on what materials, and with what instruments men have written in different ages to the present time wherein is considered the great utility of this art with regard to mankind The second part consists of a compendious account of the most celebrated English penmen, with the titles and characters of the books they have published. Both from the rolling and letter press interspersed with many interesting particulars by way of notes throughout the first part and the second is a new species of biography never attempted before in English the whole collected from undoubted authorities / by W. Massey. Source: Wellcome Collection.
![[ lS7 ] flieet fchool-btll, or advertifement, fetting forth where he lived, and what was taught at his fchool, by himfelf, and other proper matters* George Bickham, fculpt. And four pages in Mr. George Bickham s Univerfal Penman, in various hands; one of which, as appears by the date therein, was written fo long ago as the year 1735. He Anno Dom. J757, aged 51 years. WIGAN, (E l e a z a r) I have been informed, that Mr. Wigan, had not only the appearance of a gentleman in his conduit, and behaviour, but that he was alfo a generalfcho- lar. Thefe qualifications doubtlefs rendered him refpeitable to his friends, and acquain¬ tance in general; fo that what Mr. Cocker fays of him, in a copy of verfes prefixed to his book, intitled, Morals, or the Mufe's Spring Garden, ought not to be looked upon as a meer compliment, viz. To you, you rare commander of the quill, Whofe wit, and worthy deep learning and high Jkill, ' Speak you the honour of Great Tower-Hill. • f I can fay nothing of his parentage, birth, or education; and I know but of one copy¬ book^](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b30533016_0349.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)


