Book Description

Every business needs a logo-the mark that tells consumers who they are and what service they provide. Designers are responsible for creating this mark. It's an extremely difficult task, especially when you consider that most designers select from the same pool of existing fonts and/or images to create a "unique" identity for their client.

This book-a hands-on guide to the entire logo-making process-combines an enjoyable visual approach with extensive, industry-tested information. It puts the tools of innovative logo making into the hands of designers, giving them the expertise and inspiration they need to create their own lettering and art for truly unique logo design.

They'll learn how to:
*develop a discerning eye for quality lettering and logo design
*create innovative logo design both traditionally and on the computer
*create custom-made fonts for use in logo design
*build a profitable business with logo design work

With the tips and instruction in this book, designers will no longer have to rely on pre-existing typefaces or clip art to design competitive logos-now they can do it all themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An excellent book about logos and typography
As a college instructor who teaches a variety of graphic design classes, I am always on the outlook for another book for inspiration and supplemental material for lectures. I have quite a decent number of books about typography in my personal library, but since getting a copy of Cabarga's book, I would count it as the best of the best. I am enthralled that I have found some good background on what exactly goes into designing fonts and lettering by hand. I also found the information about Fontographer extremely helpful. I would recommend this title to designers and design students and instructors.

Five Stars and more...
I predict the Logo Font & Lettering Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to the Design, Construction and Usage of Alphabets and Symbols by Leslie Cabarga will become a classic for the graphic artist, designer and signer.

The publisher is hyping this book as a Logo book. Their pitch says: "This book-a hands-on guide to the entire logo-making process-combines an enjoyable visual approach with extensive, industry-tested information." And all that's true. However I wonder if the writers for How Design Books have ever done lettering or desinged a logo. I don't think so by the level of excitement in their releases.

No, this is not all together about just logos, fonts and lettering; this is about the very soul of an art, a design discipline, and a fine craft. This is about the way creative people think and react to visual stimuli. This is about the most visually exciting and inspiring book for graphic designers to come along in long, long time. In fact, I cannot remember any that really come close.

BRAVO, Leslie, my JMU Typography students will LOVE this one -- and I know it's one they'll really use just because it's so much fun!

If you don't buy this book, you'll be missing something very important.

Fred Showker, Design-Bookshelf.com

An excellent work
I normally don't buy many books dealing with art but the title caught my eye. This book is excellent. I've been a typographer and letterer for over half my life and I wish I had something like this 20 years ago. It covers many aspects of good logo design as well as using and modifying a font for a design. In my opinion the best part is when Mr. Cabarga goes into some detail about designing and creating your own font. This is an idea that I have been toying with for sometime and now that I have read this book I have a lot of ideas on how to get started. I couldn't recommend this book enough.

A Really Wonderful Type Book
I'm a typography nut and a college design instructor. I love older, more traditional approaches to typography and am always wary of many newer books that think of type as the simple digital byproduct of computer keystrokes. Here's a book that makes the important connection between real typography and the digital world.

Once you get past the awful cover of this otherwise incredible book, you'll find an exploration of type and letterforms that draws from history and explores numerous aspects of type in a whimsical and entertaining way. This is one of those rare books that lets the design talk about design and shows good and bad examples as well as successful rule-breaking. The tone is light and entertaining, and the author doesn't prattle on with formal, intellectual approaches.

The book covers how to see type, how to work with type, how to create type, what is (and isn't) a logo, and also shares works by great typographers like Michael Doret and others.

While typography is not on everyone's list of most entertaining subjects, this book is as fun as it is educational. I'm recommending it to all my students at the Art Institute and can't see how any designer would fail to both enjoy it and benefit from it. If you buy one type book, this is the one.

Inspiring & Educational
I bought this book immediately after seeing it! It is one of the best books I have seen on Logos & lettering because not only does it illustrate logos, but he tells you why it works or doesn't. This book delves into creating your own type and explains how to do it, using Illustrator or Fontographer. I am in a typography class now and this book will certainly help me finish the semester and in my career as a graphic artist. If you only buy one book on logo design--this is it! ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive compilation of elegant, imaginative two-letter monograms—ideal for enhancing scrolls, certificates, awards and other graphic projects in need of calligraphic excitement. Easily reproduced, copyright-free letters are also perfect for use in art, needlework, crafts and other decorative projects.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Disappointed with Amazon!
I paid $24 for this book only to receive it and the price is stamped on the back "$9.95 in USA"! I would look for this book elsewhere.

Disappointed
I paid $24 for this book only to receive it and the price is stamped on the back "$9.95 in USA"! I would look for this book elsewhere. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Romanesque: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting
Excellent, a trully work of art. This book digs down into the core of the post-classic period of the plastic arts. A delightful and resourceful acquisition of any scholar artist or architect with interest in the origins of building forms, natural lighting, and a three-dimensional space.

great for the coffee table
As the holidays approach and you find yourself entertaining more at home, it's time to start thinking about a new book to add to your coffee table, or to toss under the tree of a fellow Italiaphile. "Romanesque" is not only a substantial book with beautiful pictures it's also a complete resource for understanding the building style most representative of the Middle Ages. As Romanesque architecture, art and sculpture is not restricted to Italy, this book also extends to show examples of this style from Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Great Britan, and even Scandinavia!

A must-have for fans of Romanesque architecture!
Although I am no great architectural authority, I love the Romanesque and have had the pleasure of visiting many churches while travelling in rural France. Like a 12th century pilgrim, I even made the journey to Compostela in Spain. This book, however, made me feel like I only scratched the surface -- what amazing (and uncelebrated) Romanesque buildings there are ALL OVER Europe! I am newly amazed at how diverse the Romanesque style can be. The author and photographer undertook a daunting project, documenting hundreds of structures (practically every building of note, it seems). The quality of this book is staggering -- you would think it should sell for a lot. But as detailed as some of the academic articles can be, the book is never dull or pedantic -- partly because the photography is so terrific and compelling. This book is magical. A GREAT bargain, a great gift, and highly recommended.

A must have Architecture book at a great price.
This is a large "coffee table" size book that covers the Romansque Period to an exhaustable amount. It covers architecture, scuplture, and paintings for the professional and the layperson. This book is a bargain at $39.98. Most books of this size and contents cost over $100.00. This book will make a wonderful gift or an great addition to any library. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Capturing the Spirit of Chinese Brush Painting
What a delightful treat for painters of all stages!!! Nan Rae's book is a very lively and spiritual work that draws you to her obvious passion for her art. I'm a beginning painter and have bought several brush painting books. The Ch'i of the Brush is a very dedicated book with beautiful illustrations that are easy to follow-her directions and explanations make you feel that she were giving you the lessons right in your own home!! This book gives you an exciting confidence and enthusiasm for the art that makes you want to learn all that you can do. The histories and works included are very appreciating and thorough--very interesting to read. Plus, the most beautiful part--Nan Rae's wonderful illustrations and paintings are displayed page after page and her happy spirit lifts right off of those pages!! If you could pick only one book on Chinese Brush painting, this is definitely the one to have.

Lacks the True Spirit of Chinese Painting & Culture
Being a collector of traditional and contemporary Chinese paintings for over 25 years, I am also very interested in the variety of techniques different Chinese painters use. This book covers the basics of Chinese brush painting, ideas and concepts taught for hundreds of years so there nothing new in this book. Not seeing Nan Rae's work prior to purchasing this book, I was very surprised by the mediocre level of her paintings. Her paintings have a western influence but her ability to merge the two cultures just doesn't work. For myself and other fellow collectors, her paintings in no way capture the essence of what true Chinese culture and its painting is all about. Another disappointment about her work (from this book and website) is that many of her paintings are copied (and not very well at that) from older Chinese paintings and famous artists works. If your really interested in Chinese painting techniques, find books by true Chinese painting masters such as the Chinese painting series by the Asian based publisher Art Book Co. (with English text) and not someone who paints as if it were a casual hobby. Buy this book if you're interested in "reading" about simple Chinese brush techniques but once your actually begin painting, find some reference paintings created by actual Chinese artists who capture the true spirit of Chinese painting and the culture.

A Must Have Book! A Real Treasure!
This is a book filled with beautiful art. From the helpful detailed instructions for the beginner to the inspirational techniques and compositions for the experienced artist, this is the one book you must have on oriental brush painting. I teach brush painting and every student lights up when they look through this book. This book goes to every class I teach and every student wants a copy to take home. I have many books on brush painting but this is one I will always treasure.

Exquisite Eloquence: The Art of Explaining Art
The first thing that struck me as I thumbed through this graceful publication was how visually beautiful it was. I thought perhaps I had purchased a lovely coffee table book! Ms. Rae's work is beautifully reproduced on its pages and alone is reason enough to buy this book. As I dug deeper, I have discovered the author writes as eloquently as she paints. Her explanations are clear and concise and the illustations are very helpful. But more importantly, perhaps, woven throughout the book is an underlying sense of encouragement. This author doesn't just want to show you "how-to," she wants to inspire you. And I must say, she succeeds. I also suggest checking out her website. She is a prolific and exuberant artist!

a wonderful and perfect book for painters and art lovers ali
This is **THE** Ultimate Chinese brush painting book
Being a student of chinese brush painting I have bought quite of few books on the subject. This one is simply the best and... the most beautiful. It's a perfect book for book beginners and advanced painters, but it is also a book that should make the day of people who simply want to understand chinese painting better.
Nan Rae's paintings are incredible, her writting style is easy to follow, precise but humourous, never boring or too technical.
A must buy for any one interested in arts.
I know what I'll get my friends for Xmas this year! ... Read more

Book 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 alphabet’s features, the book’s 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 book’s spiral binding ensures that pages lay flat when opened, allowing calligraphers to study and copy each pen stroke with ease. The Calligrapher’s Bible is printed in color and features more than 350 illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Journey Through Time
It is amazing that this one small book contains the physicality of writing of Western civilizations and its development. Writing has forever been the keeper of culture, and this book allows you to travel through time, visiting its development, not only in its formal venues, but variants as well. It gives you the how-to, but brilliantly flashes bits of history to better understand the evolutions of calligraphy. This is one book that no calligraphy afficionado should be without. It is the ultimate collection of alphabets used in various time periods, as well as a springboard into further research of the history of calligraphy itself. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Very helpful
Nicely-formatted book with a gazillion scripts. Made me get out my calligraphy pen immediately and start practicing, which is really the name-of-the-game to developing this delightful and useful skill. Knock your friends out and write in some of these beautiful hands!

Excellent Beginners Material
Margaret Shepherd has written a gem for the new calligrapher. This is the book that I learned the most from. Anyone will enjoy and learn by following her fun and educational suggestion to invent alphabets. Loved It! Thank you Margaret Shepherd!

Great Resource, Letter by Letter
My wife took a caligraphy class and when she wanted to get a book of alphabets, we went right to Amazon, and here it is.

The book has a variety of different "fonts" and some penstroke instructions for each one. There are formal and whimsical styles, that will be appropriate for numerous different applications. She has created awards and membership certificates for several organizations using the inspiration of this book.

If you are looking for a source of new and different styles for your caligraphic projects, this is the first book you should buy. It has the greatest variety of practical alphabets that we have found.

This is a FUN! book.
This is a highly applicable, practical, creative and very useful book that will keep many a happy calligrapher, at any level, contently scripting along. It is a book with 365 alphabets, one for each day of the year (with roughly 106 that left handers can do...hey!leftys have rights too)plus 52 projects for each week of the year. This is an affordable book at just under ten dollars, which also makes it even more tempting. Nor is it an intimidating book, in that it does not speak above ones head. Given true, it does not follow the historical end of calligraphy,that study is available for those interested. And although there are no color plates in Alphabets it wisely goes over the basics of calligraphy, the different kinds of nibs(pens),guideline sheets and how to use this book. Do not underestimate its quality; it is a well rounded, well thought out book for those studying letterform.It is fondly known as "Karen's Bible" in my classes(my tattered torn copy goes with me everywhere). Because of its usefulness, it also coincides with the concept that the greatest message in the world is useless unless able to be conveyed. Alphabets seems to handle that concept concerning letterform quite well. Margaret's book brings letterform to our dinner table and finishes it with large helpings of dessert. I highly recommend this book to anyone at any level, beginning or advanced in the study of letterform. ... Read more

Book Description

Illuminated manuscripts provide a rich source of inspiration for today's calligraphers, artists, and graphic designers. Patricia Lovett, a professional calligrapher and expert on the medieval book arts, looks at the history of calligraphy and illumination, explores the use of gold in miniatures and highlighting, and then shows how to create a variety of projects ranging from the simple to the technically advanced.

The step-by-step directions provide ideas for creating letter shapes and page layouts and instructions on how to design and paint a coat of arms. Exquisite illuminated manuscripts from the British Library and other sources illustrate the text, and a detailed reference section provides help in selecting papers and brushes, mixing colors, and preparing and stretching vellum. With special chapters written by experts in the fields of calligraphy, illumination, and heraldry, and clear instructions throughout, this colorful volume is a treasure trove.

PATRICIA LOVETT is a professional scribe, author of several books on lettering, and chair of the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society in England, where she lives.

325 illustrations, 175 in full color, 81/2 x 101/4" ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The best book on calligraphy, illumination and heraldry!
Without a doubt, this is the best book on calligraphy and illumination ever in print, and the chapters on heraldry are as detailed and lucid as any other text devoted solely to that subject. Whether you are interested in this book to learn calligraphic technique or simply desire it for coffee-table 'eye candy,' you will be genuinely pleased with your purchase.

GORGEOUS book, would be well worth several times the cost!
I *LOVE* this book. It is a gorgeous hardcover, which puts to shame many skimpy books at the same price (or much higher). The directions are clear and explicit, covering virtually every aspect of this exquisite art.

In addition to all the basic essentials of illuminated calligraphy (including in depth descriptions and directions for gilding), this even includes explicit directions for coats of arms and similar heraldry -- which is very often an important part of illuminated calligraphy, but which I've never before seen addressed in print, much less with such detailed descriptions and explicit directions. (It not only relates the components of the coat of arms, but what they're based on, how to have one designed and assigned if your family history doesn't include a "legal" one, etc. -- as well as how to decorate this for illuminated calligraphy.) From how to make essential paint mixtures (color, fish glue, or whatever) to how to make the decorations, this book includes everything. The pictures are beautiful, the text is priceless, the directions are invaluable, etc. -- for anyone seriously interested in illuminated calligraphy, this book would be worth many times its modest cost -- and, I never expected to describe 29.95 as a "modest cost", but that really seems to apply to this book when I compare it with other books on the subject.

Fabulous resource for calligraphers!
I'm a long-time calligrapher. This book is a must have for any calligrapher. Not only does it cover all the basics, such as materials, historical alphabets, layout, etc, but also covers Illumination, including gilding and Heraldry, including how to design and paint a coat of arms and touches on Copperplate and handwriting, something not usually found in a calligraphy reference manual. My favorite chapter is on "Working to Commission", which is VERY practical.

The book is very easy to read, and quite enjoyable. I read it from cover to cover like a novel. The author did such a good job summarizing all the important details of each subject. The text is heavily supported by wonderful illustrations, from ranging sources as medieval manuscripts to modern calligrapher's work. Each "hand" is laid out with the keystrokes, and organized by "key features".

A must have for all calligraphers, beginners and masters included! ... Read more

Book Description

In 1561-62, Georg Bocskay, imperial secretary to the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, inscribed the Mira calligraphiae monumenta as a testament to his preeminence among scribes.He assembled a vast selection of contemporary and historical scripts, which nearly thirty years later were further embellished by Joris Hoefnagel, Europe's last great manuscript illuminator.This book, now in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, is reproduced here in complete facsimile form, accompanied by a commentary that includes a full description; a discussion of its patron, Rudolf II, and his cultural and historical milieu; the biographies of Hoefnagel and Bocskay; and an analysis of the manuscript's role in their careers.The introduction discusses the broader issues raised by the manuscript.Topics include Hoefnagel's nature imagery, which encompasses plants, fruits, and small animals, and its relation to the spread of interest in botany and zoology at the end of the sixteenth century.Another topic is calligraphy and its place in the art and culture of the sixteenth century.The manuscript's remarkable calligraphy will be of particular interest not only to scholars but to collectors, graphic designers, and typographers as well. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful reproduction of an exquisite manuscript
This is an excellent reproduction of an exquisite manuscript produced during the last phases of the hand-written, hand-illuminated book. The introductory texts are concerned primarily with the history of the two artists responsible for the creation of this work, with some space devoted to its provenence and patron. The majority of pages are, of course, devoted to the plates themselves; no words can do justice to the art displayed therein. Commentary on the plates is mostly limited to identification of the various flora and fauna displayed on the pages ... Read more

Reviews (1)

With This Book, You Can Do It
With this book -- and a lot of practice -- I was able to do the calligraphy for my daughter's wedding.
The book includes a number of romantic alphabets in styles from Celtic to modern, forms for invitations, many examples of custom woprk, and step-by-step instructions for projects ranging from favors to menu cards to guest books. There are also suggestions for working with a professional calligrapher.
This is a practical book for anyone planning a wedding. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Novel Approach
After being aware of this book and also recently having read "Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About", I was eager to read this book. My expectations were high, possibly too high, but this was a decent book. Yes, some of the theology is light, but many of the text exegesis are right on target. There are three pages of comments for each of the 59 verses, which a good variety of detail without making it overly complicated. A good read.

A unique and intimate portrait of the Bible.
From his idiosyncratic perspective as a computer scientist, Knuth presents an aesthetically pleasing and intellectually inviting commentary of the 3:16's.

In this day and age of technological sophistication, it is so courageous that a scientist and scholar of Knuth's stature can say "it's tragic that scientific advances have caused many people to imagine that they know it all, and that God is irrelevant or nonexistent. The fact is that everything we learn reveals more things that we do not understand... Reverence for God comes naturally if we are honest about how little we know." [1]

Knuth is candid about what he knows as well as what he doesn't know and he presents his views in a non-judgemental, introspective manner. For example, Knuth is surely including himself when he states "God sees the rottenness, deceit, and hypocrisy in every one of us..." [2] Furthermore, there are rare glimpses into Knuth the man as he unabashedly says what he feels. To illustrate, Knuth describes his thoughts about his own mortality and how he felt when his father died. [3]

Ultimately, this book is Knuth's solemn and joyous celebration of his relationship with God. But don't let the elegance of the artwork or the relative brevity of the commentary fool you into thinking this book is merely easy on the eyes. The Christian will find this an uplifting and spiritually challenging study, while the non-Christian will discover the richness of the 3:16's and why Knuth finds the Bible is relevant to everyday life.

Knuth is a consummate craftsman and this is a towering work of biblical scholarship, an enduring exegetical legacy for the ages.

Quotes and references from book:
[1] Proverbs 3:16 study
[2] Romans 3:16 study
[3] Job 3:16 study

We Are Not Worthy!
In the well-rounded, whimsical, yet diligent style that is so characteristic for all of his work, Knuth has given us a small stochastico-theologico-typographical masterpiece.

This work shows Knuth's authorship to an extent that even medieval monks could only dream of: He not only wrote the exegeses, but he translated each of the 59 verses of the bible he picked from the original Hebrew or Greek; he picked 59 illustrators to illuminate the verses; he wrote the software that controls the placement of each character on the pages of the book, and he wrote the software that controls the bits for each character of the book.

This book is by no means Knuth's most important contribution to humankind, but if it were the only one of his works to reach posterity, it would still suffice to show him as the compassionate and inspired genius that he is.

closest thing to a miracle in our times
Zapf + Knuth. Two of the best in their fields came together and made a book about the best of books. Knuth really dedicated himself in writing this book, and the result is clearly superb: I was compelled to say Amen at the turning of every few pages. He also presented the material in a jargon-free way, keeping it relevant to the modern world. If you miss the days when scientists and artists unabashedly manifest their great faith in the Lord, this is the book to get.

Visually sumptuous and completely fascinating
I was skeptical when I first heard about a Bible book written by a renowned computer expert, but what a treat! Each verse is a beautifully illuminated and researched unit, with a page devoted to a socio-historical review of the time period, another page to the illuminated verse, and two pages explaining the verse in its specific context. Knuth's writing is easy to read while remaining challenging and the art is a visual feast. This is a wonderful book for anyone even remotely interested in the Bible and a joy for anyone with a love of calligraphy and some of its beautiful manifestations. ... Read more

Book Description

A complete practical course for beginners-a step-by-step guide to the fine art of lettering. Throughout the book, structured exercises and practical step-by-step demonstra-tions help you put your new skills into action. 8 projects. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Easy to Learn Calligraphy
I just sent out 200 elegant wedding invitations all done in Calligraphy that i learned from "Calligraphy School" in the last two months. i had never picked up a calligraphy pen and could not find any local classes so i bought this book to give it a try but was certain i would probably be hiring someone to do the calligraphy on my wedding invitations.

The book is interesting, easy to follow, has great instructions, modern colored pages, and a great font selection but not too overwhelming. i have the worst handwriting in the world and this book was able to teach me the basics in calligraphy. Worth every Penny and more.

suggestion to beginners - start with the thicker felt tip calligraphy pens till you master the letter flows and than change to the calligraphy cartridge pens (Scheaffer has been the best).

Wonderful
"Calligraphy School" is everything I was hoping it would be when I ordered it. Beautifully written, informative, gorgeous lay-out, very inspiring. I brought it to my calligraphy class to show the instructor and the other students, and they were as impressed as I. The book takes the student from Roman Serifs to the Lindesfarne Gospels and carolingian minuscules through to the Renaissance and some of the modern italic hands-- very comprehensive. Besides just the letterforms of virtually all the important alphabets throughout history, the authors also address the basics (and beyond) of applying a watercolor wash, interpreting text though color and design, even working with metallic leaf and illuminated letterforms! Pages and pages featuring the work of the most talented calligraphers. An absolutely beautiful book and very inspiring, as I said before, but it bears repeating.

Excels in step-by-step instructions
A very detailed introduction to calligraphy aimed at people who have NO prior experience. Pens, paper, ink are all covered in an unintimidating fashion. In tutorial fashion, the authors move from basic letter forms all the way to illuminating with gold leaf. Thorougly illustrated.

good beginners' reference
Quite a good reference guide for beginners. Plenty of examples and step by step guide. Projects are excellent ways for anyone to put their skills to practice. Get your money's worth.

excellent
This book was used in the cyberstudy in 1998 to study the Foundational hand. There is both an overseas version and an American version. This caused a little confusion in the participants. It was an excellent text. However, I also had to use live instruction in some cases to fully understand the given lesson on the web. It will remain a good reference book for this beginner. ... Read more

Book Description

In an age of myriad computer fonts and instant communication, your handwriting style is increasingly a very personal creation. In this book, Margaret Shepherd, America's premier calligrapher, shows you that calligraphy is not simply a craft you can learn, but an elegant art form that you can make your own.

Calligraphy remains perennially popular, often adorning wedding invitations, diplomas, and commercial signs.Whether it is Roman, Gothic, Celtic, Bookhand, or Italic style, calligraphy conveys class and elegance. Margaret Shepherd makes this ancient art form accessible in a completely hand-lettered technical guide that will:

*Provide context for calligraphy as an art, exploring the rich tradition of hand-lettering and mapping the evolution of the most popular styles.

*Give detailed technical advice on choosing pens, paper, and inks, setting up your workspace, mastering various pen angles, along with step-by-step illustrations to guide you as you practice.

*Explain which alphabets are appropriate for different forms of writing. For example, the Roman alphabet works well for short, unpunctuated passages, while the Italic alphabet is more suited to informal everyday communication.

*Encourage you to personalize your lettering by using variant strokes and interpreting how you would like the words to look on the page.

*Inspire you with carefully chosen illustrations and examples, which bring letters to life.

In Margaret Shepherd's own words, "Calligraphy trains not only your eye and hand, but your mind as well."Learn Calligraphy is the authoritative primer for this age-old craft, and will help develop a new appreciation for lettering as you discover your creative personality. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent book for learning
I am learning calligraphy and have looked at a number of books on the subject. This book is, for most purposes, excellent. She gives you so much more than alphabets: key exercises to do before you start the alphabets, typical beginner's problems (most of which I have experienced!), practice pages you can reproduce. Her sections on swashes and "accessorizing" Gothic capitals are also wonderful - what had always seemed highly mysterious to me turns out to be a matter of combining building blocks, creativity, and - who would have thought - a lot of fun.

The only small drawback, if it is one, is that the book doesn't contain a lot that is good to know about techniques of setting up a drawing table, selling, etc. For that (as well as an excellent chapter on type design by Hermann Zapf himself), the book "Calligraphy and Illumination" provides more than you ever wanted to know. I don't think that book replaces this one, however - I find Margaret's explanations well worth the small amount this book costs. She'll even autograph it for you (see her web site for details).

This is a wonderful book that every calligraphy student should have.

A good starting point
After many years, I restarted calligraphy again with this book. It is straight forward and easy to use. If you are thinking of learning calligraphy on your own, this is one of the books to have. It gives you practical guidance, not just alphabets.

Not good
This isn't a good book. There are much better ones on the market. To have a book printed in calligraphic hand seems to be
interesting, but it actually turns out to be methodologically not so. Much better is to have the book in normal print and the
examples in calligraphic hand. There is no contrast to help the
learner see differences. Moreover, this author may be a good
doer but to put the message across is quite a different thing:
her explanations aren't that clear.
One more point: this author needs to be urgently introduced to
copperplate hand. She does not mention it at all. As an author teaching beginning calligraphy it's
your moral obligation to show the hands. After all, copperplate
isn't one example of a hand; it1s a hand in itself.

A classic...
This is the book I use as a text for beginning calligraphy students at the local community college. All the text is handlettered and there are many examples of how to use calligraphy in everyday life. I've used Margaret Shepherd's books since the '70's, and this is the best one she's done for beginning to intermediate students. It is both instructive and inspiring.

Very Good Book
I simply LOVE this book: it's fun and easy and improves your lettering and calligraphy in an easy way. I practice calligraphy since 10 years, but still I found in this book some "shortcut" to make my works more accurate.
Great space for practicing, lots of alphabets shown, a nice way to introduce arguments ... a must have book for all calligraphers. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

No Vector...
When i first saw this book, i was very excited because it said that i had .eps files, which to me, mean vector, easy to use etc. These files are all raster, thus if you are seeking full vector, you might need to order a copy of Adobe Streamline and covert these. Big disappointment.

joshua
(...)

I agree with the Graphic Designer from Los Angeles...
And unfortunately I was looking for true clip art! However, I must say that the ornaments presented are truly stunning, and can easily be used in paper crafting of any kind. I used this book to create labels for gifts and to address holiday envelopes. I am a novice desktop publisher and was not disappointed.

Cris Cunningham

Graphic Designer in Los Angeles
The ornamentation is very nice but something anyone buying any of the Dover Electronic Clip Art series books should take into account is that they are not actual clip art items. Dover has just scanned the art and put it on a CD, the items are not scalable or changeable in a usual clip art format. It is very helpful to have the images already scanned but if you want true clip art, this book is not for you. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A nice introduction to manuscript production
Christopher De Hamel's, Scribes and Illuminators is a short book, replete with illustrations, that I read in a single session. It is strictly an introduction rather than a scholarly work. Some topics are covered in more detail than others - the technique of illumination has more coverage than the selection and creation of miniatures or marginalia. The illustrations, in the main, are from medieval manuscripts and depict both the scribe/illuminator at work and examples of finished, and unfinished, pages. The pictures of unfinished pages are particularly useful in illustrating how the scribes and illuminators worked. There are some photographs of the tools used in manuscript production, but a few more would have been nice - especially of the frame used to sew the quires together. Some interesting facts embedded in the text are: parchment tended to curl toward the hair-side of the page because it shrank more, there were a significant number of women scribes, scribes would write around holes made accidentally during the creation of the parchment. Despite the brevity De Hamel manages to cover nearly the whole of manuscript production. And in that light the book is worth reading. However, if you are interested in the minute details of binding, calligraphy, miniatures, marginalia, and/or the tools of the trade you would be better off reading a different book.

Only Buying One Book on this Topic? Get This One!
Like all this series, this book is a real gem. Clearly written, interesting, informative, with a fine selection of pictures (most in colour), it's truly amazing how much it covers in a small book. Particularly useful are the contemporary illustrations of scribes and painters at work, showing such details as a scribe's sloping desk with holes to hold his quills and inkhorn (cover illustration). The whole construction of a medieval book is explained, from makig the parchment to the final cover. Examples of unfinished manuscripts, not shown in facimile books, provide fascinating insight into the whole production process. The inclusion of charming pictures such as the self-portrait of a scribe and his apprentice, cursing a mouse running off with the the cheese from their lunch table, brings the lives of these workers into immediate and human detail.

If you are only going to get one book about medieval scribes and illuminators, this is the one to buy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"The most precious object in the western world"
Resting at Trinity College Dublin is one of the truly singular products of early European art. This is 'The Book of Kells,' an ornately illuminated rendition of the four gospels, rendered sometime in the Ninth Century. It has been both an influence and an inspiration since the time of its making, illustrating both the story it tells, and the subtle mind of symbolists who wove the story and the art together.

One of the key problems the student of illustrated art suffers in any attempt to study 'The Book of Kells' is the simple matter of access. I believe that the replica edition of the book cost nearly $20,000 when it was published, and most other resources limit themselves to only the most famous of the pages. Only a few detailed studies exist, and this one, written by Bernard Meehan (Keeper of Manuscripts at Trinity College), is one of the best, both in terms of quality and quantity of reproduction as well as a literate and thorough discussion.

Meehan covers the book's history, influences and parallels, the decorative scheme, and many of the decorative themes used by the illuminators. He also spends time on the more technical aspects of ink and paper. He does this in a pleasant, straightforward yet academically thorough style that is often a fount of information. Where he does not go himself, he provides indications of other possibilities for research and thought. Meehan's agenda is simply to present one of the wonders of human creativity for all to see and enjoy, and he succeeds admirably.

Good Manuscript Reference
This little book on the Kells Manuscript is one of the best I've ever seen. Of the 117 plates there are only 6 in black and white and the color plates are true to the colors of the Book of Kells. A great many of the plates are of close up details of the pages. A wonderful variety of the Kells pages are displayed with plenty of descriptive texts. ... Read more

Book Description

Best-Loved Bible Verses is a collection of 12 of the most familiar and cherished passages from the Bible. The expressive calligraphic art of Timothy R. Botts renders each verse so the emotion and meaning of each passage are understood. The verses are printed on quality paper to enhance the artistic value of each print. This collection of ready-to-frame prints would make a special gift, or the individual pieces can be framed and given as gifts. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best Loved Bible Verses: the Timothy R. Botts Collection RTF
An excellent gift idea resourse !!! I have purchased the collection & now have personally framed 8 of those prints and shared them with family & friends for Holiday gift giving. Am now on my way to order my second batch ! A very inexpensive yet great way to personalize gifts for others.

This is not a "hardcover" book as advertised.
Timothy Botts' "Best-Loved Bible Verses" is listed as a 12 page hardback book. This is not the case! I ordered it, as I have purchased some of Botts' other books and really enjoyed them. I was surprised to find that the "book" is really "12 ready-to-frame prints in expressive calligraphy." While the calligraphy is lovely, it is not the gift book that I thought I was ordering. ... Read more

Book Description

With its bold strokes and mystic aura, Zen calligraphy has fascinated Westerners for decades, yet it remains an abstract, rarely practiced form of expression outside of Asia. Now, master calligrapher Tanchu Terayama explains the techniques behind this subtle art and offers step-by-step instructions for practicing it on a professional level.

After introducing the basics, Terayama presents a unique meditative warm-up to establish the proper mental attitude needed to release one's creative energies. Next, the power of the brushed line is explained and demonstrated. What makes a good line or a bad one, an expressive effort or an unfocused one? Lessons on brushing symbolic Japanese characters follow, including those for "emptiness," "nothingness," and "flower." The painting section shows readers how to draw the spare yet elegant pictorial themes of this classic art: bamboo, plum blossoms, Mount Fuji, and the inspirational Zen priest Daruma.

If the exercises are the heart of the book, the Appreciation section is the soul. This chapter introduces classic works from renowned priests and other historical figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (the celebrated swordsman and author of The Book of Five Rings), Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of aikido), Jigoro Kano (the father of judo), and Zen priest Hakuin. Each masterpiece is accompanied by penetrating commentary on the strengths and salient features of the work.

Rarely has Zen calligraphy been demonstrated and discussed with such candor and insight. Illuminating yet another side of Zen, Zen Brushwork will be an invaluable source to those interested in meditation, Zen, Buddhism, the martial arts, and Oriental traditions in general. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A thoughtfully written and an easy-to-follow guide
Ably translated into English by Thomas F. Judge and John Stevens, Zen Brushwork: Focusing The Mind With Calligraphy And Painting by Tanchu Terayama (Nishogakusha University) uses black-and-white photography to illustrate simple exercises and practices that one can follow to expand one's mind and meditation skills through the arts of calligraphy and painting -- especially as they have been practiced in Asian nations for thousands of years. Showcasing works of art as well as advice and practical instructions, Zen Brushwork is a thoughtfully written and an easy-to-follow guide that especially recommended to students of meditation, Zen Buddhism, and the contemplative aspects of the martial arts. ... Read more

Book Description

Practical archive of extraordinarily beautiful and decorative letters of the alphabet splendidly ornamented withgeometric and curvilinear motifs interwoven with royal and saintly figures, mythical creatures, knights in battle, exquisite florals and much more. A wonderful glimpse of the ancient art of manuscript illumination.
... Read more

Book Description

Admired for its beauty, grace and fluidity, copperplate calligraphy is perhaps the most popular writing style for social correspondence. This practical guide teaches students to handle the alphabet, numbers and punctuation, color andpaper; how to write simple paragraphs, quotations, poems, cards, invitations and more. Numerous black-and-white illustrations. Bibliography. Index.
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Reviews (2)

The best Copperplate-hand book to be found out there so far
After studying calligraphy through workshops and lessons since 1989, I decided to add Copperplate to my repertoire. I found learning this style requires a whole new "think" on writing: different flexible pen nibs, pen angles, paper slant, stops, bold and hairline strokes, and of course incredible(albeit refined)embellishment. This book holds prime position in my library, is ink-stained and spotted, has pages unbound from overuse, and is the most perfect way to learn this hand as any I have ever seen. Every time I want to use Copperplate on a commission or project, I haul it out to have beside me, to remember all the little specifics that make Copperplate so beautiful. I love this book!

Outstanding
I was looking for a book to explain everything from soup to nuts. This is it. A little history, an equipment guide, and then into the basics. Advanced and commercial techniques are covered also. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more