diff --git a/apple/fx80.cpp b/apple/fx80.cpp
index eb77d99..e726233 100644
--- a/apple/fx80.cpp
+++ b/apple/fx80.cpp
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ void Fx80::Reset()
   escapeModeExpectingBytes = -1;
   escapeModeLengthByteCount = 0;
   escapeModeLength = 0;
+  italicsMode = false;
 }
 
 void Fx80::handleEscape(uint8_t c)
@@ -77,6 +78,12 @@ void Fx80::handleEscape(uint8_t c)
   case 42: // FIXME: set vertical tabs
   case 43: // FIXME: set form length (default: 66 lines, 11 inches)
     break;
+  case 52: // italics on
+    italicsMode = true;
+    break;
+  case 53: // italics off
+    italicsMode = false;
+    break;
   case 64: // Reset
     Reset();
     break;
@@ -267,6 +274,10 @@ void Fx80::addCharacter(uint8_t c)
     }
   }
 
+  if (italicsMode) {
+    c += 128;
+  }
+
   uint8_t width = Fx80Font[c * 19];
   // FIXME: is 12 right for non-proportional mode?
   if (!proportionalMode)
diff --git a/apple/fx80.h b/apple/fx80.h
index abd7115..a0e4830 100644
--- a/apple/fx80.h
+++ b/apple/fx80.h
@@ -86,6 +86,7 @@ class Fx80 {
   uint8_t rowOfBits[(FX80_MAXWIDTH/8)*9];
 
   Charset charsetEnabled;
+  bool italicsMode;
 };
 
 #endif