This slender but informative book provides a look at the evolving practice and importance of technical communication in a growing company (Lukens Steel Company of Coatesville, Pennsylvania) in an expanding industry and market (iron and steel) during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

While there is no advice on spelling in this book, Wolman tells the history of how English spelling has changed since the Anglo-Saxon period and American spelling since the American Revolution and explains how and why the changes occurred. His history is highlighted with astute comments, personal anecdotes, and even philosophical musings. The book should be entertaining and informative for anyone who might want to learn more about how our present-day spelling got to be in the shape it is in.