English: Print Books
Forrest, M. (2019). Reading Early Handwriting 1500-1700 (3rd ed.). British Association for Local History.
Format: Print book
Description: This practical guide is illustrated with facsimiles and transcripts of more than twenty types of documents that paleographers are most likely to encounter in their research. The volume includes explanations of numbers, currency types, and measurements, as well as transcribing tips. This resource is suitable for beginners just getting their bearings in early modern scripts and for those with more experience looking to refine their skills.
Experience level: Beginner to advanced
James, K. (2020). English Paleography and Manuscript Culture 1500-1800. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Format: Print book
Description: An easy-to-follow introduction to reading and understanding early modern English manuscripts, this book provides a detailed technical introduction to English handwriting styles from "secretary hand" through "copperplate." Case studies place a variety of document types in social, cultural, and historical contexts. Users may practice reading and transcription with the exercises provided. This book is appropriate for paleographers with at least some experience reading older English-language styles of writing.
Experience level: Intermediate to advanced
Jarvis, C. (2022). Teach Yourself Palaeography: A Guide for Genealogists and Local Historians. History Press.
Format: Print book
Description: This book covers all the skills paleographers need to read English documents from any time period. Graded exercises are arranged in reverse chronological order, starting with more familiar modern handwriting and ending with the "court hand" of the medieval period. A comprehensive reference section features examples of various letter forms, symbols, and abbreviations. This volume is ideal for readers new to early modern script.
Experience level: Beginner to intermediate
Sperry, K. (2008). Reading Early American Handwriting. Genealogical Publishing.
Format: Print book
Description: This book teaches users how to read and understand handwriting for genealogical research. It explains reading techniques and includes nearly 100 images of early American handwritten records, which are presented with the author's transcription on a facing page. It also includes information about numbers and roman numerals, Julian Calendar and Gregorian Calendar dates, and sample alphabets and letter forms; a glossary of terms found in and used to describe wills, deeds, and church records; and abbreviations, contractions, and other standard terminology found in early American records. This book is an important reference work for every stage of the transcription process.
Experience level: All