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I am an American history MA student considering designing a thesis around fountain pens -- maybe their technological and social significance during the dawn of mass communication, maybe their fluctuating roles as status symbols, utilitarian workhorses, gifts, "obsolete" techology, etc. It's still in the works. I collect FP's and perform rudimentary restorations as a hobby, and I foresee benefit in mixing work and pleasure. With some quick Googling, I have found a handful of texts by collectors and FP connoisseurs, including Fountain Pens: the Collection Guide to selecting, buying, and enjoying new and vintage fountain pens and Identifying Fountain Pens by Jonathan SteinbergThe Illustrated Guide to Antique Writing Instruments by Stuart Schneider and George FischlerFountain pens Past and Present by Paul EranoFountain pens: A Collector's Guide by Peter TwydleThe Chronicle of the Fountain Pen: Stories within a Story by Joao Martins, Luiz Leite, & Antonio GageanThe last text sounded promising, though to be honest, I am fearful most of these texts will have more photos and cursory model information rather than in depth passages discussing the FP in a broader historical significance. That is not a knock to them, but rather an explanation of what I expect will be my greatest challenge, i.e. gathering sources. Again, this is very early in my MA (I haven't actually started the semester yet), but I'd like to hone this idea into a specific question asap. Speaking of questions, here's a few... Do you have any more text recommendations? I'm really interested in ones detailing specific manufacturers or innovations (Parker 51, Waterman C/C Pens, Sheaffer Snorkel) Have I missed any threads on here talking about scholarly work on fountain pens, especially anything published by a university press?Any FP questions that haven't been answered by the fine FP authors already mentioned or otherwise? Thanks for your time!

Just visited Richard Binder's site, and came across his statement about closing the retail side of his business down. Seems like a true heavyweight of the pen scene is leaving us, which will be a big loss for us all, especially those of us who were yet to try one of his magic nibs. Which led me to think if we, on this forum, should consider sponsoring or creating some kind of scholarship for members interested in learning from the great nib-meisters?! Even if a hundred members donated $10 each, that could go a long way to creating such a scholarship. It would be a real shame if these skills don't get passed on to the next generation. If we do manage to put something together, you can count me in with $200 as my contribution..!