Product Description: Both hobbyists and students of design will value this easy-to-use self-teaching book. Each of its 100 sections shows a complete A-to-Z calligraphy alphabet, with lessons on correct pen strokes and advice on avoiding errors. Beginners will find sound basic instruction, while experienced calligraphers can extend their repertoire with letter styles that range from classic Roman to clean and elegant contemporary styles. In addition to analysis of each alphabets features, the books detailed instruction provides information on Tools and materials * Layout basics * Numerals and punctuation * Illumination and ornamentation * Tips for the left-handed calligrapher . . . and more. Readers will also find examples by master calligraphers from past eras. This books spiral binding ensures that pages lay flat when opened, allowing calligraphers to study and copy each pen stroke with ease. The Calligraphers Bible is printed in color and features more than 350 illustrations.
Loads of Possibilities I teach calligraphy and was looking for something to keep my beginner students going once they'd completed the course. This book is it. It gives samples of a hundred different fonts as well as clear instructions on how to create the letters. The spiral binding was a real plus as it lays flat on the work surface. If I get the chance to teach a Level II in Calligraphy this would be a book I could recommend.
A wonderful tool This is an excellent reference book for the beginner or advanced calligrapher. The spiral binding is a wonderful feature allowing the book to stay open while you practice. The pages are heavy duty and full color. The samples are beautiful and the history of writing is fascinating. Even though this book is available at my local library, I will probably purchase a copy for my everyday use at home.
Great! This is a great book for beginners. It has a great layout and is easy to understand.
The art of caligra[hy I need already to be a calligrapher in order to enjoy this 100 alphabets. Only two pages are dedicated to each of them. It is not enough if youa have not practiced previously the art of writing.
Marvellous handbook! I have dabbled with calligraphy and have several books myself, most of them are big and have beautiful pictures and present the same styles; Roman, Uncial, Italic and Gothic styles with some variations. I ordered this book because of the raving reviews and its low price and was greatly, pleasantly surprised!
Firstly: the book isn't big in size, it's actually about the size of a normal novel but had 256 pages. Secondly: it is spiral-bound which means it will stay flat and the spirals are inside the cover, safe from damage. And as the book doesn't take up much room on the table it's ideal to have around when you're working. Calligraphy equipment takes a lot of space. And thirdly: yes, there really are lots and lots of styles! I found beautiful, tempting styles with romantic names such as Luxeuil, Cancelleresca and Beneventan. There are two pages for every style, the alphabet is presented on the left page and basic structure on the right one. And many styles seem to include also such rare latters as German double-s, Swedish o (a with a little square on top) and Icelandic o with / over it.
I think this book works best for those who have already done some calligraphy, because it isn't as detailed when it comes to layout and other technical points as some of the books I have, the ones that have big pages and big pictures. But this is a very good book indeed for anyone interested - and look at the price! It's ridiculously low!!