William Moon

William Moon was a teacher from Brighton who began to lose his sight at the age of four after contracting scarlet fever. By the age of 21 he had completely lost his sight and he began teaching blind children how to read using embossed types. However, he realised that the children were finding it hard to learn the existing raised types so he decided to create his own. His simplified lettering, known as Moon type, was first published in 1845 and quickly went on to become the most widely used raised type at the time. Moon type is still in use today but it was overtaken in popularity by Braille in the late 19th century.

Correspondence with the Society

Following the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society meeting at which our new society was established, renowned diarist Caroline Fox wrote to William Moon with news of their plans and he clearly welcomed the idea with this response dated 15 October 1856:

My dear Madam – The receipt of your letter and prospectus rejoices my heart greatly. We have lately started a home teaching society in London also… and I believe if the plan can be adopted throughout the country it will become one of the biggest boons (in respect to reading) that the blind have ever possessed. I will prepare you a list of my books as arranged for libraries. I esteem Mr Baker’s principles and exertions very much.

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