Capitals

"Capitals" by Frederick W. Hamilton is a primer on capitalization and typographic practices, published in the early 20th century (specifically, in 1918). This book serves as a technical guide for apprentices in the printing industry, providing them with essential information about the correct usage of capital letters and small capitals in written text. Its focus is on typography, making it a practical resource for those learning about the intricacies of typesetting and print. The content of "Capitals" details the historical development of capital letters, their grammatical rules, and typographic preferences. It outlines guidelines for the use of full capitals and small capitals, providing practical examples and rules to follow in various contexts, such as names of places, days of the week, and titles of works. Hamilton emphasizes the purpose of capitalization—to enhance clarity and significance in written language—while also discussing trends toward more restrained use of capitals over time. The work aims to help budding printers develop a solid foundation in typography as it relates to capitalization, ensuring they understand the rules and can apply them effectively in their craft.

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