F. C. B.]

[Illustration: 134. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS. AFTER ORSON LOWELL]

[Illustration: 135. MODERN AMERICAN SMALL LETTERS. F. C. B.]

[Illustration: 136. MODERN AMERICAN TITLES. ORSON LOWELL]

The pages of letters shown in 138, 139 and 140 are intended to suggest
forms which, while suitable for rapid use, yet possess some individuality
and character. The so-called "Cursive" letter by Mr. Maxfield Parrish, 140,
is particularly effective for such informal use--in fact, its very charm
lies in its informality--and is quite as distinctively "pen-ny" as any of
Mr. Crane's work of the same kind.

A glance over the field of modern examples will disclose, first, a general
tendency to break away from the older type models in pen-drawn forms;
second, a growing partiality for the small letter, and third, a sporadic
disposition to use capital and minuscule forms interchangeably. The first
[123] trend may be noticed by comparing the letter shown in 132, which is
closely modeled after type, with that shown in 136, in which an opposite
method is followed, and the letters are so treated in handling form and
color as to best harmonize with the design itself. The possibilities latent
in the small letter are indicated by such interesting uses as those shown
in figures 77, 89, 98, 101, 111, 112, 121, 127, 130 and 131. American
designers seem to be especially interested in the development of the small
letter. Of the intermingling of the capital and small letter shapes
examples may be found in figures 71, 75, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83, 84, 98, 127
and 134. In these examples it will be noted that the minuscules seem to be
more easily transformed into capitals than do the capitals into minuscules;
only a few of the latter appearing to lend themselves harmoniously to the
small letter guise.

[Illustration: 137. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE. ORSON LOWELL]

[Illustration: 138. MODERN AMERICAN LETTERS, FOR RAPID USE. F. C. B.]

[Illustration: 139. MODERN AMERICAN ITALIC, FOR PLANS, ETC. C. F. BRAGDON]

[Illustration: 140. MODERN AMERICAN LETTERS. MAXFIELD PARRISH]

Such tendencies as these, if allowed to develop slowly and naturally, are
certain to evolve new forms--a process of modification which it should be
fully as instructive and entertaining to observe as any of the historical
changes that have already become incorporated into our present letter
shapes.

[127]

* * * * *

CHAPTER III

GOTHIC LETTERS