Product Description

Spirited history, comprehensive instruction manual covers 13 important writing styles (ca. 4th century thru 15th). Fascinating facts about Roman Rustic, Uncial, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, eight other styles; all examples beautifully photographed. Detailed directions for duplicating medieval techniques with modern tools. 232 illustrations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #98857 in Books
• Published on: 1989-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780486261423
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Customer Reviews

Not for Calligraphers Only
Hidden in this book for calligraphy hobbyists is a simple, concise history of manuscript (formal handwriting) from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. It explains the basics of why we write - and print - the way we do. Ever wonder why the letters of the alphabet are shaped the way they are? Or why we have capital and small letters? Or why the two are shaped differently? Or where punctuation comes from? Readers interested in language, typography, usage, European history, and mere interesting trivia would love this book if it weren't lost in the hobbyist and graphic-arts stacks.

Historical/Instructional Manual
This is both an historical and an instructional manual with information on materials, supplies, and other resources. It shows the strokes for each letter, and has many examples and covers alphabet styles that almost no one else does.

The alphabet styles covered are: Roman Rustic, Uncial, Artificial Uncial, Roman Half-Uncial, Insular Majuscule, Insular Minuscule, Luxeuil Minuscule, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, Gothic Textura Quadrata, Gothic Textura Prescisus vel sine pedibus, and Gothic Littera Bastarda.

This is a standard reference for calligraphers in the SCA (SCA is the Society for Creative Anachronism, which is a group dedicated to researching and recreating the Middle Ages in the present.)

The only thing that I feel is missing in this book-is that the pictures are not in color.

Other than that this book is Great!

The BEST resource for modern medieval calligraphers
My hobby is the Middle Ages. I coordinate a scriptorium, teaching people in my local area how to do medieval style calligraphy and illumination. If a student can only afford one calligraphy book, I recommend this one! It is the best book available for those who want to work in the style of the middle ages and rennaisance. It includes a basic primer for the beginning calligrapher. More advanced artists will use the examples of the hands as a constant resource.