Twilight of the Velocipede: Typesetting Races Before the Age of Linotype

On February 19, 1870, young compositor George Arensberg set a record by typesetting over 2,000 ems of solid minion type in just under 14 minutes, a feat that stunned the printing world and sparked a nationwide fascination with typesetting races.

Arensberg, a 20-year-old working for The New York Times, set a record by typesetting 2,064 ems in approximately 14 minutes, surpassing the typical rate of 700 ems per hour. His achievement earned him the nickname “The Velocipede” and made him the most famous typesetter of his time.

Following his record, public typesetting competitions grew in popularity, especially in dime museums and printshops, often drawing thousands of spectators. These races became formalized with official rules, prizes, and a touring circuit featuring notable competitors such as William C. Barnes and Joseph McCann. The competitions emphasized speed, with some challengers setting extraordinary records, including William C. Barnes who once set type blindfolded.

Why It Matters

This development is significant because it transformed typesetting from a routine profession into a public spectacle, fostering a competitive culture that influenced print industry practices and entertainment. It also reflects the broader social and technological context of the late 19th century, prior to the advent of the Linotype machine, which would later revolutionize typesetting.

Background

Prior to the 1870s, typesetting races were informal activities within printshops, often for small stakes. Arensberg’s record marked a turning point, elevating these contests to public events. The rise of newspaper printrooms, the emergence of dime museums, and a culture that celebrated speed in printing all contributed to the popularity of these races. The formalization of rules and the establishment of a touring circuit occurred in the late 1880s, with notable figures competing for substantial prizes.

“Arensberg set more than 2,000 ems in a single hour, astonishing the print world and igniting a nationwide fascination with typesetting speed.”

— Historical accounts of the 1870 record

“Typesetting races became a form of entertainment, blending professional pride with public spectacle, long before Linotype machines changed the industry.”

— Historian on print culture

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how much these early races directly influenced technological developments like the Linotype, or how widespread their impact was beyond major urban centers. Details about specific race rules and the full extent of their popularity are still being studied.

What’s Next

Next steps include further research into how these early competitions influenced the adoption of new typesetting technologies and their role in the evolution of print industry culture. Additionally, examining the decline of such races with the rise of Linotype and other mechanized typesetting methods will be important.

Key Questions

What was the significance of George Arensberg’s record in 1870?

It marked a turning point in typesetting, showcasing extraordinary speed, and sparked a culture of public races that became a major aspect of printshop entertainment before the advent of Linotype technology.

How did typesetting races influence the print industry?

They popularized speed contests, elevated the status of typesetters, and contributed to the development of formal rules and competitive circuits, blending professional pride with entertainment.

Did these races have any impact on technological innovation?

While primarily a cultural phenomenon, these races highlighted the demand for faster typesetting, which eventually contributed to the development and adoption of mechanized solutions like the Linotype machine.

Are typesetting races still practiced today?

No, these races largely declined with the rise of mechanized typesetting and digital printing, but they remain a notable part of print history and culture.