Talks on graphology. The art on knowing character through handwriting

Boson: Lee and Shepard, 1892. FIRST EDITION. With 52 text “plates” containing handwriting samples. Original publisher’s cloth, author and title in gilt on front cover with additional handwriting in black; interior fine with some pencil underlining. First edition. The authors explain in detail the science of graphology and then proceed to identify various character traits based upon sample of handwriting in the text. Apparently based upon your handwriting you might be imaginative, enthusiastic, passionate, egotistical, intuitive, a miser, kind or coquettish. And even those qualities may differ depending upon what is being penned, say a will, letter (personal or business), and a list, to name a few items. And of course how you sign your name makes all the difference in your character. Who knew someone might be able to tell if you are stingy or a force of nature without ever meeting you. The last part of the book analyzes a complete letter. An absolutely fascinating work if you are at all interested in the subject.

The (pseudo-) science of graphology has been studied since the late sixteenth century, but in modern terms really began with Jean Hippolyte Michon’s publication in 1872, as referenced in this book. It is a somewhat controversial subject though unsupported by scientific evidence. Still many people continue to utilize handwriting analysis as a means of determining a person’s personality and even job performance.