“A signature always reveals a man’s character — and sometimes even his name” is a jocular line that has been credited to humorist and author Evan Esar (1899-1995), who included it in 20,000 Quips & Quotes (1968) and The Comic Encyclopedia (1978). A “Comic Dictionary” entry (probably written by Esar) was given in December 1962 newspapers:
“Signature—A specimen of handwriting that reveals a man’s character—and sometimes even his name.”
10 December 1962, Augusta (GA) Chronicle, “Comic Dictionary,” pg. 1, col. 1:
SIGNATURE
A specimen of handwriting that reveals a man’s character—and sometimes even his name.
Google Books
The Comic Encyclopedia:
A Library of the Literature and History of Humor Containing Thousands of Gags, Sayings, and Stories
By Evan Esar
Garden City, NY: Doubleday
1978
Pg. 118:
A signature always reveals a man’s character — and sometimes his name.
1 June 1991, Aberdeen (SD) AMerican News, Ann Landers syndicated advice column, pg. 6A, col. 3:
Gem of the Day: A signature always reveals a man’s characters—and sometimes even his name.
Google Books
20,000 Quips & Quotes
By Evan Esar
New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Books
1995, ©1968
Pg. 735:
A signature always reveals a man’s character — and sometimes even his name.
Google Books
The Mammoth Book of One-Liners
By Geoff Tibballs
London: Constable & Robinson Ltd.
2012
Pg. ?:
A signature always reveals a man’s character, and sometimes even his name. Spike Milligan
Twitter
Social In Memphis
@SocialinMemphis
“A signature always reveals a man’s character - and sometimes even his name.” - Evan Esar
10:14 PM - 13 Nov 2015
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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