How to Become an Expert in Type-writing

Typewriter 1886-1890 Manufactured by Standard Typewriter Mfg. Co, Ilion, New York Remington Standard Typewriter #2 Metal, wood, textile. H 29, W 30, D 39 cm

I am not sure what to read next. Most likely I will re-read Essays of Elia in keeping with my British theme. I also have a reader's copy of the novel The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee. It takes place in Victorian England. I have read 35 pages and so far the best bits are the quotes from How to Become an Expert in Type-writing that introduce each chapter. That is a real book. I found it on Google Books. It was written in 1890 by Mrs. Arthur J. Barnes. Here is some of Mrs. Barnes's advice just in case those of you who learned to type on a typewriter have forgotten:

It is very important that you should learn the key-board so thoroughly that you can see it with your eyes shut, and can strike each letter without the least hesitation.

Observe the bell. The bell rings to warn the writer that he (sic) is approaching the end of the line.

And best of all, concerning typewriting and life in particular:

If you form a careless habit in the beginning, you will probably always keep it.

The story concerns one Betsey Dobson who is a London typewriter girl and works for an insurance company. But she is destined for better things...she hopes...and takes a job at a seaside resort. There is most likely both romance and trouble in store for Miss Betsey.

I can't help thinking of Mma Grace Makutsi of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency who graduated from the Botswana College of Business and Secretarial School with the highest ever mark: 97 percent. I am sure she would approve of Mrs. Barnes and her thoughts on typewriting.