prettysadiereed
I thought I'd just throw a quick little lesson at you regard..
Published: April 27th 2025, 1:00:29 pm
I thought I'd just throw a quick little lesson at you regarding the history of quills but I went way into the rabbit hole and there is a LOT to learn about scribing, calligraphy, and the history of writing implements.
The TL:DR is this: writing tools were commonplace from about the 6th century on, typically made of reeds as they were strong enough to continue to dip into ink, scratch onto a tough surface without needing frequent replacement.
As writing (and literacy) became more widespread in the medieval era, paper was refined, and use of feathers as writing tools grew in popularity. There is even a distinct order from which feathers molted off of a bird were selected as the ideal writing implement.
A swan or ostrich feather, obviously being rare and difficult to obtain, were considered luxury writing tools and reserved for special occasions.
Like for writing love letters to yours truly. 💋