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The publisher's announcement on this volume states that it is “The first complete systematized presentation of an increasingly important subject —-. Based on the study of the influence of schools norms such as the Palmer Method, it offers a specialized analysis of American handwriting and includes an evaluation of the latest European discoveries and theories in the field of graphology”.
Unfortunately they say nothing about the author and it would improve one's perspective tremendously if his background were somewhere included. Apparently the author is widely read and this book undoubtedly is the first dealing primarily with American graphology. The discussions, for example, on the influence of various types of copy-book style are extremely interesting.
The meat of the volume is, of course, the author's basic system of graphology which, while flavored with concepts of other experts, essentially is original, particularly in its organization. The author has presented an excellent beginner's handbook but one wonders if even a comprehensive study of this volume alone would ever prove the short cut to total understanding of the personality that the publisher promises. One also wonders at the scientific accuracy of the author, particularly his emphasis on certain illnesses with their actual organ location manifested by specific errors in the writing. As usual, with so many books of this type, there are too many unsupported statements and too few facts. There is also too much of the dream book pattern present and tables are appended which translate specific findings into equally specific personality manifestations.
There is no doubt but that this “science” of graphology is progressing and in time may achieve adequate recognition in this country. It is doubtful if the present volume will add much in this achievement and it is equally doubtful if further advances will be made until they can be backed by adequate data founded in sound methodology.
The appendix of the book contains