[Illustration:  His popularity and fame as a novelist may be attributed to the fascinating style and vivid portrayal of his imaginative rather than realistic creations.  The flourish after the signature has its significance also.  It is lacking in grace or harmony, and evidently the quick, assertive stroke from the pen of one who will brook no opposition.]

[Illustration:  In this signature of Longfellow we have imagination in the letter “L” in the signature of the surname, lucidity of ideas in the extreme clearness of the writing, ideality in the absence of liason between the “l” and “o,” but not as much tenderness as one would have expected in the writing of the author of “Evangeline.”]

[Illustration:  Edgar Allen Poe was an egotistical and imaginative writer.  When the flourish takes any very peculiar abnormal form, it is rather a sign of originality than vanity, though there is, perhaps always a slight admixture of egotistical feeling in all flourishes.]

[Illustration:  Who has not heard of Emile Zola?  This signature has the lightning flourishes in the “Z” and “a,” and the entire separation of letters indicate an almost wholly intuitive mind, but lacking in logic, reason and judgment.]

AUTOGRAPHS OF SOME WELL-KNOWN MEN.  THEIR WRITING IS AS DIFFERENT AS THEIR CHARACTERS.

[Illustration:  Uncle Joe Cannon, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has a careless and rapid signature which indicates a determined and arbitrary will.]

[Illustration:  Cecil T. Rhodes, the wealthy South Africa diamond king, has a signature denoting secrecy and thrift.  The curve of the “C” and “T” denoting love of publicity.  His wonderful endowments gave him fame and publicity.]

[Illustration:  Signature of John Jacob Astor, the founder of that well-known family.]

[Illustration:  Ingersoll’s signature is that of a combative man.  This is told by a certain irregularity in writing and at the same time all the signs of ardent courage.]

[Illustration:  Admiral George Dewey.  Extreme straightforwardness is indicated in this signature; the letters are all one height and the line of writing is straight.  It denotes precision, discipline and loyalty.]

[Illustration:  An enlarged signature of one of the most successful merchants in the country.  This signature shows intuitive perception of character and the heavy characters denote precision, organization, and care for details.]

[Illustration:  The signature of H.N.  Higinbotham, a former partner of Marshall Field, and an immensely busy man.  It shows that an active business man can write a legible hand if he will.]

[Illustration:  This signature is that of one of America’s greatest merchants and financiers.  He is as careful in writing as in business and gives the greatest care to all details.  Philanthrophy is also shown in his hand.]