The Art of Writing with Quill Pens
Writing with quill pens was once upon a time considered an art form. These pens were made from the feathers of birds such as geese and swans. Since they required periodic sharpening, writing with them required a considerable amount of skill and practice. Though the use of quill pens has long since declined, some authors still prefer the traditional method of writing. This brings us to the question – are there any famous authors who exclusively used quill pens? Let’s find out.
The Legacy of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is one of the most famous playwrights in history. Though there may not be any definitive evidence, some historians believe that he used quill pens to write his plays. In the 17th century, quill pens were the most commonly used writing tool. Given that Shakespeare lived during this time, it is plausible that he would have used a quill pen to put pen to paper. His iconic works have made him an inspiration for many aspiring writers, some of whom have adopted his preferred writing method.
The Enigma of Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte is another famous author who is rumored to have used quill pens. Though in the 1800s, there were other writing tools such as steel pens and pencils, some historians claim Emily Bronte used quill pens to write her masterpiece Wuthering Heights. Though there is no concrete proof, her reputation as one of the most enigmatic writers of her time lends itself to the possibility that she used traditional writing tools.
The Modern Day Quill Pen Advocate
Though quill pens are no longer the primary writing instrument, there are still some writers who advocate for its use. One such writer is author Tan Twan Eng. In an interview with The Guardian, he spoke about his preference for using quill pens to write his novels. He mentions how the process of sharpening the feather and dipping it in ink helps him connect with his writing in a way that modern technologies cannot. These writers find that writing with traditional tools like quill pens helps them build a closer relationship with their craft.
The Beauty of the Traditional Method
While today’s writers have a variety of options when it comes to writing tools, there will always be those who prefer the traditional method of using quill pens. Writing with these tools requires patience and skill, but for those who are willing to put in the effort, the end product can be truly breathtaking. Though there may not be many famous contemporary authors who use quill pens exclusively, it is clear that the beauty of this traditional method is not lost on those that do.
