Product Description: The ancient art of illuminating manuscripts is currently attracting many new enthusiasts among artists, art students, and lovers of calligraphy. The Bible of Illuminated Letters is a volume theyll all want to add to their collections. It presents step-by-step instructions for recreating twelve illuminated alphabets. Among them are Celtic, Saxon, Gothic, Romanesque, Modern Revival, and seven more, including several modern scripts. Detailed diagrams instruct on creating upper- and lower-case letters, as well as on ways for designing borders and decorations. More ambitious students can also follow clear directions for gildingdecorating with gold leafas was originally done in medieval European monasteries. Readers and students of illumination who open this book will find: a history of illumination; required tools, techniques, and materials for illuminating; instruction in layout and design; and steps to follow in order to create 12 alphabet styles. This beautiful book also features a picture gallery of outstanding historical and contemporary illuminated letters, as well as a glossary and index. More than 400 inspiring color illustrations in total.
Only Accomplished, Affluent Artists Need Purchase! There's little question that this is a beautifully produced book, and a delight to flip through. Just fine, if this were marketed as a coffee-table book. The product description is quite misleading, however, giving the impression that the book contains step-by-step instructions that anyone could follow. However, completing the projects as described requires not only a sizable investment in various paints, inks, tools and other materials (vellum and gold leaf are two examples) but also the skilled hand of a fairly well-accomplished painter. Moreover, each chapter showcases only one letter from the alphabet covered in a step-by-step, color format; the rest of the alphabet is printed in small, black-and-white renditions, with little or no guidance regarding colorschemes, etc. Overall, this book reads like the pet project of a collection of affluent artists in this genre, concerned primarily with showboating and of the opinion that few buyers of the book will ever use it as anything more than...like I said earlier...a coffee-table book.
BEAUTIFUL book on illuminated letters! I have a couple of books on illuminated letters, but this one is the book I reach for first.
It is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!
It is produced by the "Barron's" company [which also publishes "The Calligrapher's Bible" by David Harris], and they know how to publish calligraphy books - their books are SPIRAL-BOUND so that they lay flat when you are using them, and every detail has been thought of and included.
Just the cover alone is beautiful, but once you open the book it is evident that the author and publisher are truly on the "same page". Illustrations on every page. Gold ink where it belongs. Color everywhere.
Gorgeous!
But that's not the end of it ...
Chapter 1 : Tools & Techniques Chapter 2 : Preparing to Work Chapter 3 : Alphabet Directory (including "Borders & Motifs") Chapter 4 : Contemporary Gallery (examples of actual work by artists!) Glossary Resources Calligraphy Societies Further Reading Index
I can't gush on about this book enough. If you are interested in calligraphy (especially illuminated letters) then DEFINITELY add this to your collection!
I wish I would have had this years ago As a struggling illuminator and scribe for the SCA, I find this book to be a teacher when I need one and a great beginner to advanced book for callig and especially illumination. Due to time constraints and the fact that I am a willing, but poor (in talent) paint and ink artist, I haven't spent much time in art classes. This book has helped me get through more than a few hurdles I have had and inspires me to do more. This book was well worth the money and I would highly recommend it to others.
Favorite Illumination Book This is my favorite illumination book and I have many. As a scribe in training in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), I am learning all the facets of calligraphy and illumination. This book is the one I refer to the most. I have purchased copies for friends and recommend it highly. It has detailed step by step instructions from painting to gilding. It is easy to read and has beautifully illustrated images.
BREATHTAKING THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE, BEAUTIFULLY LAYED OUT BOOK WITH STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CREATE ILLUMINATED LETTERS. IT IS QUITE DETAILED & HAS MANY COLORFUL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT IMPEL ONE TO START DRAWING THESE BREATHTAKING LETTERS RIGHT AWAY. I THINK THE PRICE IS LOW & I WOULD'VE PAID MORE FOR SUCH A HIGH QUALITY BOOK. IT'S A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY LIBRARY. A+
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
