Sholes and Glidden typewriter length. The redesigned platen also introduced the modern spacing functionality (horizontal and axial movement providing letter and line spacing, respectively). The cylindrical platen became "an indispensable part of every standard [typewriter]". By the end of 1872, the appearance and function of the typewriter had assumed the form that would become standard in the industry and remain largely unchanged for the next century. Although the machine possessed a cylindrical platen and what was essentially a QWERTY keyboard, two design elements that would later become essential were lacking: the ability to write in upper and lowercase letters and "visible" print. Although the
Typewriter in the Sky still reread with pleasure". George Malko noted in "" (1970) that "Typewriter in the Sky" was "eagerly welcomed by devoted fans". Michael Ashley wrote in "Who's Who in Horror and Fantasy Fiction" (1978), ""Typewriter in the Sky" (1940) is a rollicking farce of a man written into another's story". Everett F. Bleiler found it to be "a routine adventure story carried through competently, with a good central idea". Janrae Frank of "The Washington Post" commented, "Much of his best work of the '40s and '50s, "Fear", "Slaves of Sleep", "Typewriter in the Sky", is written in exactly the same style