# Handwriting/Script Style Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 14, 2008, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handwriting-script-style-question/467930 "2008-10-14T19:14:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2008, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handwriting-script-style-question/467930/1 "2008-10-14T19:14:56Z")
I’ve decided to dedicate myself to learn a classic handwriting style. I typically write in sloppy boy print, and I’m tired of how idiotic it makes me look. I know the regular script I learned back in grade school, but rather than perfect that, I’d really like to learn a classic, yet legible, style of script. I’m looking for something distinctive and professional. I like Thomas Jefferson’s near italicized script, but I specifically want something that I don’t need a fountain pen to master. I’ll still be using a regular old Bic or Uniball. My general question is this: Would someone point me to an online guide, and/or recommend a classic style of script? Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2008, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handwriting-script-style-question/467930/2 "2008-10-14T21:35:44Z")
Get a copy of “Please Write: How to Improve Your Handwriting” by Wolf Von Eckardt. It’s available used on Amazon. He presents a very basic italic style that you can write with any pen. But I’d beg you not to turn your nose up at a chisel tipped nib. It works wonders. ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2008, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handwriting-script-style-question/467930/3 "2008-10-14T22:06:16Z")
See this book at > **[The Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting: Cursive and Calligraphic: Eager, Fred:...](https://www.amazon.com/Italic-Way-Beautiful-Handwriting-Calligraphic/dp/002079990X)** > > The Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting: Cursive and Calligraphic \[Eager, Fred\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. The Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting: Cursive and Calligraphic Caveat: It’s a workbook, so I suggest you contact the seller(s) to make certain that the book you get hasn’t got the work sessions already filled in. I notice not one seller has a **New** or\*\* Like New\*\* book. Nevertheless, if you get some graph paper you can still trace the instructional letters and learn how to write beautifully. It’s a wonderful adventure. ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2008, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handwriting-script-style-question/467930/4 "2008-10-14T22:44:24Z")
Also, if you use the book I recommended, above, you must constantly work hard (as the author’s regularly urges) to write quickly. After all, you don’t want to write at the pace of a 1st grader, but at the same speed you do now - maybe even faster - and much, much, more beautifully. I wish you success beyond your wildest dreams, **drastic\_quench**. It ain’t gonna be easy, but if you stick with it, you’ll make it, and will end up feeling very good about yourself. Go buy the damned thing!!!😃 😃 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2008, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handwriting-script-style-question/467930/5 "2008-10-15T01:23:33Z")
I always had bad handwriting, and printed in all capitals. When my oldest started kindergarten, I wanted to set a good example (or at least, not a bad one), so I took up the printing style they were teaching, which is [D’nealian](http://www.dnealian.com/lessons.html). I still use it now, and I’m actually pretty proud of how my handwriting looks (although the pre-D’nealian bar was pretty low). The main feature I notice is the little curl at the bottom right of many of the letters. Not as fancy as **BarnOwl** ’s suggestion, but maybe more practical. You can even [make your own practice worksheets](http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/denelian-1/make-d.htm). ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2008, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handwriting-script-style-question/467930/6 "2008-10-15T03:27:26Z")
_shudders_ You’re welcome to your D’Nealian. For my part, I hate those loops.