Product Ref: FHF-066
Secretary Hand ABC Book, A by Alf Ison
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A Secretary Hand ABC Book by Alf Ison is a beloved and practical guide for anyone tackling the challenge of deciphering old handwriting—especially the ornate and often perplexing “Secretary Hand” used in English documents from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Here’s what makes it so useful:
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Alphabet illustrations: Each letter is shown with its many historical variations, helping readers recognize forms in real documents.
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Common abbreviations & words: Includes days, months, seasons, and numbers—plus a list of frequently used terms.
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Practice materials: Features sample documents like wills and nursery rhymes, with transcriptions to aid learning.
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Compact and accessible: A5 landscape format, 38–40 pages depending on edition, and lightweight enough to bring to archives or record offices.
Originally published in 1982 and reissued multiple times, it’s a favourite among palaeography students and family historians alike.
ISBN : 9780950836607