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Originally the Roman alphabet consisted of twenty-one letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, V, and X. The letter I was used for both the modern I and J. The letter V was used for both the modern U and V. In approximately 50 B.C., the letters Y and Z were added. Since that time, there have been many changes in the Latin language; but the alphabet, with few exceptions, has remained unchanged. Once you have learned the unique characteristics of any one handwriting style (providing that you are familiar with the vocabulary and grammar used during the time of the writing), you should be able to read any document written in that style with only slightly more effort than it takes to read today's handwriting, Of course, you will have to deal with poor handwriting, faded ink, and missing information; but the key is being able to recognize the identifying features of the style used by the person who wrote the document.
Nearly all of the following sample letters have been taken directly from the practice texts used in this paper. [I did not include the practice texts.] There were, of course, many other personal styles used over the course of four or five centuries by thousands of scribes, and it would take a lifetime to learn them all. These examples should give you an idea of the many variations. Study them carefully, and refer to this section often as you work through the remainder of the paper. As you continue your study of paleography and as you begin your research in original records, you might add to this list new samples of letters that prove especially difficult for you. Practice writing the letters that are difficult for you, especially as you encounter a combination of letters that is new or strange to you, will help you to better understand the scribe's style and to remember it longer.
Sample Letters
Paleography Intro | Alphabet | Spelling | Abbreviations | Names
Reprinted by permission. Copyright (c) 1978 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
