A richly illustrated book full of never-before published typewriter memorabilia, intriguing historical documents and entertaining anecdotes, The Typewriter: a Graphic History of the Beloved Machine is a beautiful ode to an all-but-obsolete creative companion.
BOOK CONCEPT
With a timeline aligning with the birth of creative industries such as industrial design, “commercial art” (graphic design) and advertising, a study of the machine offers a snapshot into trends in industrial design and developments in manufacturing. A documentation of the ephemera of typewriting—ribbon tins, manuals, advertisements, promotions—is an informative and beautiful history of modern design.
The influence of the typewriter has been significant. Most notably, typewriters brought women into the workforce, contributing to emancipation. Great works of literature have been composed with them. The once ubiquitous office tool has had integral roles in film, art and popular culture, elevating it to iconic status. And of course, the vestigial qwerty arrangement remains the keyboard of choice for our computers. Though its heydey has passed, the legacy of the machine lives on. Now experiencing a resurgence of appreciation—curiously from the digital generation—the typewriter is coveted as a symbol of simpler times.
BOOK DESIGN
UPPERCASE books are known for their attention to detail, beautiful design and high production standards. The Typewriter: a Graphic History of the Beloved Machine will be a large format (9" x 11"), full colour hardcover book with at least 224 pages. The large page size will allow for many actual-size reproductions of artifacts and graphics, presenting this rich visual history is the best way possible.
ABOUT THIS CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
Since publishing my first book in 2007 and launching the magazine in 2009, UPPERCASE has had an excellent track record of producing quality books well-received by our dedicated audience. Though these publishing efforts have been successful in sustaining operations, there's little left over to invest into future publications. All of our past books have been funded by preorders and hefty dips into a line of credit (with some finger-crossing). With crowdfunding, I am excited to see the appeal and potential of The Typewriter book from the outset and begin the project with funding for the print run secured.
THE GOAL
The goal set for this campaign is $25,000. This amount would cover the print costs for 3000 copies of the hardcover book, freight and transaction fees. Should The Typewriter exceed the basic funding goal, then additional funds will go towards research, writing, scanning, photography and design.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
I appreciate any monetary pledge that you are willing to provide (please see the various pledge levels at right). Pledges of $45 or more will receive a copy of the book (the cover price will be around $38—your pledge includes shipping costs) and I have added some extra incentives to higher pledges in recognition of your support.
Please spread the word through your social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook and a blog post about The Typewriter book would be most appreciated.
If you have any typewriter memorabilia that you'd like to submit for potential inclusion in the book, I will be setting up a special upload site just for this purpose. Stay tuned for the url or email me!
I'll be sharing campaign updates on a regular basis along with images from my collection on the blog.
ESTIMATED PUBLICATION DATE
June 23, 2013
(International Typewriter Day!)
ABOUT JANINE VANGOOL
Janine Vangool is the publisher / editor / designer of UPPERCASE, a quarterly magazine for the creative and curious. She has also developed and published many books (nine and counting) under the UPPERCASE name. Janine worked as a freelance graphic designer for a dozen years in the arts, culture and publishing sectors and has also taught typography and publication design at the college level.
Her obsession with typewriters had an early beginning: when elementary school had half days, she'd spend those free afternoons happily composing letters on the typewriter in her mother's workplace (yup, she was and still is, a nerd). In 2006, Janine became an avid collector of typewriter memorabilia when she discovered the graphic beauty of typewriter ribbon tins. Her favourite typewriter is the Royal Quiet DeLuxe circa 1956: she has this model in turquoise, pink, red, teal and grey.
Some examples of the project perks:
One of the perks from "The Electric" level of support.
One of the perks from "The Electric" level of support.
One of the perks from "The Electric" level of support.
Advertising mirrors were often used as promotional incentives (since they appealed to the lady typewriter). Here is an example of the UPPERCASE take on the advertising mirror (in orange) with the original Standard Remington design in red.
A beautiful art deco-inspired package of typewriter carbon paper—one of the perks at "The Selectric" level.
One of these Type Bar ribbon tins could be yours at "The Royal" level of support.
An advertisement for Royal typewriters, one of the perks at "The Premier" level.
Thank you so much for your generous support of The Typewriter: a Graphic History of the Beloved Machine.
Thank you to the 240 backers and counting!
THE SIMPLEX
$5-$15
5 BACKERS
Show your support! (If you want to receive a copy of the book when it is released, please select a level of $45 or higher, thanks!)
THE JUNIOR
$20-$35
3 BACKERS
Show your support plus and receive an UPPERCASE typewriter club MIRROR.
(If you want to receive a copy of the book when it is released, please select a level of $45 or higher, thanks!)
THE STANDARD
$45
115 BACKERS
• You will receive the HARDCOVER BOOK when it is released!
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE PORTABLE
$55
34 BACKERS
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE ELECTRIC
$75
35 BACKERS
• Receive an AUTHENTIC ADVERTISEMENT from the early 1900s, suitable for framing.
• You'll receive the hardcover book containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• an UPPERCASE typewriter club MIRROR
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE DELUXE
$100
20 BACKERS
• Receive a typewriter ART PRINT suitable for framing
• Your very own UPPERCASE typewriter club mirror
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE ROYAL
$125
7 BACKERS
• Receive an authentic vintage typewriter RIBBON TIN
• Your very own UPPERCASE typewriter club mirror
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE SELECTRIC
$150
7 BACKERS
• Receive a SPECIAL ARTIFACT such as a box of vintage typewriter paper or carbon paper, typing manual, typewriter mystery book or other typewriter memorabilia.
• You will receive the ART PRINT.
• Your very own UPPERCASE typewriter club mirror.
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE PREMIER
$200
12 BACKERS
• Receive an authentic FULL COLOUR AD from the 1940-1970s suitable for framing.
• You will receive the ART PRINT.
• Your very own UPPERCASE typewriter club MIRROR.
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE SUPER-RITER
$1000
2 BACKERS
• You will receive a LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION to UPPERCASE magazine!
• You will receive the ART PRINT.
• Your very own UPPERCASE typewriter club MIRROR.
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE MONARCH
$2500
• A BEAUTIFUL WORKING TYPEWRITER from Janine's own collection. (shipping for North America only, only two available)
• You will receive a LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION to UPPERCASE magazine!
• You will receive the ART PRINT.
• Your very own UPPERCASE typewriter club MIRROR.
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you LETTER.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
THE CHAMPION
$5000
1 BACKER
• Janine Vangool will do a design consultation, presentation or workshop with your organization (within North America)*
• You will receive a LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION to UPPERCASE magazine!
• You will receive the ART PRINT.
• Your very own UPPERCASE typewriter club MIRROR.
• You'll receive the HARDCOVER BOOK containing a personalized typewritten thank you letter.
• Be listed in the book's acknowledgement pages.
*I'll cover airfare if you provide hotel/accommodation. Thank you!
