The Williams Typewriter
Everything There is to Know and More
A compendium of information regarding the history and technical aspects of the Williams Typewriter.
“The fable-like combination of Lucas Dul’s seeking the truth and beauty of a grasshopper machine with the intensity and determination of an ant colony is visibly striking in its impressive success. The result is knowledge, understanding and humor about the Williams designs that make this book THE must-have go-to authority on the history and technology of Williams models. If all that were not enough, it is a joy to the eye through its illustrations, including some artwork by the author. The book is a benchmark for those who would write about typewriters.”
— Peter Weil, co-author (with Paul Robert), Typewriter: A Celebration of the Ultimate Writing Machine
“If you haven't heard of him yet, be on the lookout for a name that'll be synonymous with typewriter history from now on, Lucas Dul of @typewriter_chicago_
In February, hot off the Loose Dog Press, Lucas Dul has released "The Williams Typewriter Everything There is to Know and More" a complete guide to the history, mechanics and legend of an incredible and early grasshopper typewriter. Lucas writes as himself, making one feel like they're having a conversation in the same room. Through ecstatic energy, hysterical sarcastic humor and a depth of knowledge gained only by a mechanic and historian, Lucas writes a testament to a machine that will now stand the test of time. We are honored to be one of three shops in the country that are selling physical copies. These books are all signed and will feature a piece of original hand drawn artwork contained in the publication.
Our congratulations to Lucas on such a wonderful release. We're all looking forward to see what you have in store next.”
- Bill Rhoda - Philly Typewriter
$22 on Amazon
Standard edition signed - $20 ($17 not signed)
Front
Back
A deep dive into the history and technical innovation surrounding this obscure typewriter, as well as an exploration of the machine’s cultural impact on the writer’s world of the late 19th century and early 20th century. Filled with over 100 full-color illustrations gathered from various collectors across the globe; including original ephemera, original photography, and hand-drawn illustrations by the author.
Published through Richard Polt’s Loose Dog Press — Fostering the use of typewriters in the present and in the future through innovative and affordable printed books.
Premium quality printing for those glorious full color images, perfect for any typewriter collector or enthusiast.
On sale here, Nashville Typewriter, Philly Typewriter, or on Amazon in paperback. Copies sold through Typewriter shops are signed.
Below is a collection of original analog images taken and hand developed for this publication.
Fun Facts:
The Williams Typewriter Company was headquartered in Derby Connecticut, but the Williams Typewriter Company for Europe was headquartered at 21 Cheapside, London, England. The address was stamped on the back frame, and the keyboard included common international characters.
Though there are clear changes in design throughout the multiple generations of the Williams Typewriter, several “transition” models exist that feature elements of different machines. These were the result of factory efforts to use up remaining parts stock from retired models.
A collection of original hand-drawn art and diagrams that appear in the book. Sold off with the first run of copies!
The unique design of the Williams Typewriter is reminiscent of many things…
“A Williams in action is an octopus tapping at glass, testing for the weak spots in its enclosure; you know it’s clearly the smartest thing in the room- you can just see it.”
-Sarah Everett, of Just My Typewriter
“This reminds me of how cats kinda hit each other.”
-Christian Gutierrez
“A spider”
-90% of everyone
“The typebar configuration makes me think of the Sarlac pit in Return of the Jedi.”
-Dan Rubin
“Replay [it in] reverse and it would look like robotic lizards eating the words.”
-Joe De Hoyos
“A cricket dealing cards at hyper speed.”
-Katie Fetterly
“It reminds me of two pigeons having a tap dance battle.”
-Jack Armstrong