Product 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

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent Resource
When I learned this book I'd borrowed from the library was no longer in print, I shopped around for something like it.I didn't find anything that was nearly as thorough or detailed.Every step has specific directions and clear pictures.There are many, many photos of old manuscripts, and examples of how to use the knowledge in the book for crafts today.It seems to me to be a Bible of calligraphy and illumination.I highly recommend it, and I can't believe it's no longer in print.It's wonderful!

Great for calligraphy and gold illumination, ok on painting styles
Being a newcommer to calligraphy and illumination, I was looking for a book that covered both. Reviews I read here, and suggestions from others steered me to this book. I love the book for the amount of history it covers, the details on how to write each hand, how the hands progressed, and the wealth of information it covers on gold illumination, heraldry, even how paper is made is wonderful. If you want to make your own gesso sizing for gold illumination, it provides the recipe. It even covers how to make a little money from your calligraphic skills.

My only disappointment comes in the lack of detailed information in the various styles of illumination. It gives you a couple of projects to illuminate and paint, and it gives good information on choosing basic paint colors. It even describes egg tempera mixtures so you can mix your own paints. But it does not give you information on the various historical styles of decorative work, such as the vine/ivy style, knotwork, or other styles, or even how to apply your paints in what order. For that, you will have to look elsewhere, as I am trying to do.

A Scribe's Best Friend
This book is the #1 book in my scribal library. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to get it.

It not only talks about the technique in lettering, but it has examples of the hand from period in full color photos. It has how to make the tools, be it a quill or a reed pen, with step by step photos! It talks about which tool is used for which hand. It has step by step instructions on Illumination as well, including guilding! There is more about how the paper or parchment is made, the inks and paints.

But it's not just for the Medieval Scribe, it also has some instruction and projects for using calligraphy for making cards, bookmarks and little booklets for modern use or gifts.

This book is worth every penny for a scribe of -any- level.

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 wellworth 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. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

An Introduction to Japanese Kanji Calligraphy
From the cover of the book, I thought this style might be applied to my artworks.Because the style on the cover was really casual and more modernized. Well, it's wrong!Inside did cover just normal basic Kanji characters.I didn't need the book.I gave the book to someone learning Japanese from scratch.I think it's deceptive to me.Why doesn't the cover have the same style with ones inside the book?

Okinawa Brush Work
I have taken classes from Takezaki sensei in her home on Okinawa, her book reflects the care and skill she exhibits in person. Nothing surpasses a live teacher but this book comes close.

Geat beginning Shodo
This is an excellent basic technique and Japanese book for the beginning and intermediate Calligraphy student [ non Japanese]

SUPERB OVERVIEW OF JAPANESE WRITING SYSTEM
The book contains a very short but meaty introduction to the Japanese writing system. It covers the several types of Japanese alphabet, Katakana, Hiragana, Ro-omaji & Kanji and provides with information on the origin for the names for these different writing systems in the Japanese language. For instance, for the the word Kanji, which is one of the most daunting systems for many Japanese language students, it breaks down the word in two; Kan & Ji, showing the meaning for Kan= Chinese & Ji= Character. Therefore, Kanji simply means Chinese characters and so on with the other writing systems, Hiragana, etc.
Also, it shows how to write them and a history and etymological background for the Japanese alphabet.
What it shone through the book was the calligraphic examples given and the photos all along.
It's a very complete work the authours did for this title and as a guide for someone who's into calligraphy or even learning the language from scratch is purely grand.
100% recommended on this ground! ... Gambatte kudasai > Best Results for you!
... Read more

Product Description

Calligraphy, that beautiful script lettering that seems like art, has increased in popularity over the last several years. From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, calligraphy books and classes are hot! Whether you want to address thank you notes, or are interested in the latest craze-- Japanese Calligraphy-- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Calligraphy is the fun and easy-to-use resource. Featuring an oversize, lay-flat format with space for practicing and copying, this book offers the best advice in techniques, equipment and style and contains 6 full calligraphy fonts and 10 specific projects.

Customer Reviews (3)

A disorganized disappointment.
I am a relative novice of calligraphy, and, have of late, purchased several books to work towards improving my skills.This book sounded much better in theory than it was in practice.First of all, it only demonstrate six fonts, and while it certainly examines those six fonts in depth, it is still a rather slim offering.The book is also terribly organized.It jumps around from subjects to fonts to exercises and back again in a manner that is neither user-friendly nor particularly enlightening.While it does a decent job introducing one to some of the basics of calligraphy, it falters when it comes to teaching the art of calligraphy.Look around Amazon, and you are sure to find several better introductory volumes on this enjoyable hobby.

Great for Beginners!
..gives great detail on the 'How To's' for the beginner. Lots of do's and don't's on the 'Art' of Calligraphy.

The BEST
This is truly the best book I have read on this subject.As someone trying to learn Calligraphy on her own, this is the only book that described everything I needed to know.After reading several other books on the subject, I was near giving up.For the beginner there is no other book needed. ... Read more

Product 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

Customer Reviews (7)

Gaynor Goffe Rocks
Gaynor Goffe has been a most sought after calligraphy teacher in the UK and around the world for decades because of her sensible and complete methods that make the art of calligraphy achievable for any student of any age. Her clear and focused explanations and demonstration lessons eliminate any mystery that may preclude anyone from enjoying this wonderful pastime. This particular book is aimed at newbie beginners and intermediate practitioners but even advanced students will take away some very practical advice. The book is in full color and it is very colorful indeed. Not only are there excellent exemplars of lettering and letter forms, there are many areas of related interest that will be helpful to anyone who has not had an extensive art education such as the color wheel. This book has been a constant reference source for me for many years. My old one became so tattered that I had to recently order a new one from Amazon!
Gordon

Best Book No Matter What Your Level of Expertise
This book is full of outstanding examples of calligraphic artwork, some of them unusual. It's extremely complete regarding pens, such as how to sharpen them. And it even gives you an excellent overview of how to watercolor. I own many calligraphy books and thought I knew a great deal, but I learned much from this book. Worth buying.

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 allthe way to illuminating with gold leaf.Thorougly illustrated. ... Read more

Product Description
Both beginners and those who already have training in calligraphy will find valuable instruction and inspiration in this book. The author presents 30 modern alphabet designs appropriate for a wide range of events, from formal italic script for traditional weddings to spooky letterheads for Halloween party invitations. Aspiring calligraphers learn how to plan, measure, and lay out their project, and then execute it to professional standards. Instructions for creating cards, invitations, name place cards, and party favors for special celebratory events include:

Product Description
During the twenty-year period of his remarkable proclamation of Buddhist and Shambhala teachings in the West, calligraphy was a primary means of expression for Chogyam Trungpa. This book showcases fifty-eight of his brushworks—poems, seed syllables, and phrases as well as abstract images. Facing them are short, pertinent quotations from his prose and poetry. An essay entitled "Heaven, Earth, and Man," based on one of Trungpa's "dharma art" workshops, is also included. Here he emphasizes what he called "art in everyday life": the cool, peaceful expression of unconditional beauty that offers us the possibility of being able to relax enough to perceive the phenomenal world and our own senses properly. He goes on to show how the dynamic of heaven, earth, and man (the ancient Oriental hierarchy of the cosmos) is basic to any artistic endeavor—painting, building a city, or designing an airplane—as well as to perceiving the art that surrounds us. He also introduces the idea that "the discipline of art-making" can be used to organize and create a decent society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Trungpa's contribution
Very interesting and refreshingly raw written material(Trungpa is Tibetan writing in English), beautiful art reproductions.

An intriguing and insightful, if somewhat formalized, approach to art-making.I believe it could be appreciated by most visual artists.

Problem is I feel that the design of the book is unsuccessful; for example, to me the paper is not pleasing (glossy, gold colored), which takes away from the impact of the message of inspired design.Should possibly be re-released in paperback with a new look. ... Read more

Product Description
With two 96-page, easy-to-follow books, highlighting techniques and projects-plus 12 tools-this definitive hands-on set will instruct and inspire both beginning and accomplished calligraphers. Learn the fundamentals and get the expert guidance needed to complete 25 different projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Gread Deal
A great deal for the price.The nibs are of good quality, nice starter selection and the material included is some of the best that I have bought.I bought several fountain pens, dip pens and different inks to keep me busy during the long winter and this is probably the best purchase I made.Out of 4 different calligraphy sets that I have purchased in the past, this one is by far the best deal for the price.Enough material to keep me busy for a very long time.

Great introduction to the art of calligraphy
This book and calligraphy tool set was a great start to my new interest in the art of calligraphy.I wish there were more font examples, but the book was a great value!

Received with empty tool tray
Product received this date [01-AUG-2007]with white tool tray empty.My last straw with amazon.com -- Please cancel my account.

Has everything...
Has everything you need to get started.The person who inspired me to get this was highly credentialed in calligraphic art and she was satisfied and approving when I explained to her the contents.The guides are visually explicit and make you want to get started right away.Highly recommended by me.

This is a Manuscript Manufacture
i have recently found out about Manuscript Products for calligraphy. They are far more superior then anything you can find in the States. they are made in england and the nibs are of the highest quality while being priced very economically. I was very happy to see they were the manufacture behind readers digest, so i knew before even looking at the book i had a superior product.

And it is superior, anyone who likes calligraphy will love this. it is NOT a truly basic, but anyone who is not familiar will have no problems working on the kit. It is a whole calligraphy set. not just making Prettily letters with a flat nib. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Chinese Calligraphy
This award winning tour de force must be owned by all who have a Chinese art and/or calligraphy collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Master artist, teacher and scholar traces historical development of techniques and styles from 14th century B.C. to present; analyzes aesthetic concepts, criteria, and schools associated with specific aesthetic qualities; and provides comprehensive, in-depth guide to materials, technical principles and major brush strokes.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Discover Art in the Oriental Brush
Mr Kwo's book was my introduction into the use of the oriental brush and water based black ink. His book, read over time, brought me into my great appreciation for the skill of the brush. In this work the author describesthe use of the brush from a historic point of view. He also shows how brushtechnique and written language developed and explains to his westernreaders how to "see with oriental style", with the use of thebrush and ink as a tool, the oriental concept of space and lines. Though anartist using a simple brush and water-based ink creates a far differentscene than considered typical by western standards, the oriental use ofempty space, reserved for the viewers imagination to complete the scene, isvery refreshing. It sparked my interest into this subject and from there Iwent to japanese sumi-e. Thank you for your excellent book Mr. Kwo! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

This book is truly a 5 stars Italic book, probably the only one you will need!
If you want to learn Italic written in a simple form by using the One-Stroke lettering Method of pushing the pen and the Balance of Italic (great little chart about balance on page 28) and GUIDELINES (WOW!) and also design and A great reference to other books then you would love this Italic book. There is not much for me to say about this book because the 2 reviews says it all. If you like the History of Calligraphy then please continue to read my review.


HISTORY LOVERS READ ON . . . .
I would like to say this is a wonderful book for learning the History of Italic which is only 7 pages.I love the chart that she uses to explain the development of Italic Script from 1400 to the present.She give credit to William Morris for "paving the way towards have calligraphy again to be considered a serious form of art."The History chapter also explains the Germans influences to the Italic Script. Aslo, I learned about how the transition from the Humanist to Italic script evolved and Italic to Copperplate came into existence.Through reading this Brief History about Italic Script I learned that Monica Brides published her book on using the broad-edge pen before Edward Johnston published his classic book "Writing, Illuminating and Lettering."She goes to explain about the method of "forming most Italic letters in several strokes instead of one was first advocated by Edward Johnston, and has been adopted by some other modern scribes as well.The technique stems from the idea that the pen shoud be "pulled" rather than "pushed"."WOW!This book teaches the simple form of pushing the pen which limited the amount of strokes which making writing Italic faster.If I was a teacher I would probably teach both and let the students decide which method works best for them. After reading this book I no longer feel guilt about pushing my pen.I was taught to "pull the pen" but I make better letter forms by "pushing the pen" The author also gives credit to Alfred Fairbank, she writes "that he did more research then anyone in revive the true Italic style and promote its use in the century, as both a formal calligraphic hand and hand perfectly suited to everday, informal usgae by all."

Enjoy this book and thank you for reading my review and I hope it was helpful!
PENANDINK

Worth having!
The title fits...truly "an italic calligraphy handbook," beginning with a succinct history of italic writing, with ample illustrations of the different periods, followed by Tools and Materials; Fundamentals; Spacing; Capitals; Variations; Design Examples; Conclusion; and Useful Resources and a Bibliography. A good source text, with plenty of examples, for beginners and more experienced calligraphers.

An Italic Calligraphy Handbook
This book is a solid foundation for learning the skill of Italic Calligraphy. It is well written, with clear instructions for creating each of the letter forms with an Italic calligraphy pen. In addition, the author pays attention to the finer aesthetic details of what it takes to master this beautiful skill. She provides plenty of examples of beautiful and inspiring pieces created by other calligraphy artists, as well as several pages of guidesheets to be used as one learns the letter forms. This is an excellent book--for learning, and as an important addition to the library of anyone interested in the beautiful art of calligraphy--beginner or experienced. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the perfect introductory kit for anyone who wants to learn the captivating art of calligraphy. Inside is everything needed to get started, including a 32-page project book filled with inspiring ideas.

Written by well-known calligraphers Arthur Newall and Eugene Metcalf, the project book contains step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and easy-to-follow illustrations. It clearly explains the basics of lettering--pen styles, angles, and hand positions; letter heights and spacing; and practice strokes--and then offers advanced techniques for rendering several calligraphic alphabets, such as Sans Serif, Roman, Chancery Cursive, Uncial, Black Letter, and Batarde. The book concludes with tips on how to use size, weight, form, and direction for lettering design.

This kit makes an ideal gift. All the supplies are safe and easy to use, and the book teaches skills that can be applied for a lifetime.

Kit contains:
o 32-page project book
o Cartridge calligraphy pen
o 3 nibs (medium, broad, extra broad)
o 8 ink cartridges (colors vary)
o Felt-tip calligraphy pen
o Calligraphy paper
o Practice paper pad
o Guideline sheet ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Calligraphy set
When I was a teenager, my father bought me a galigraphy set for Yule one year. I loved that set, it was so easy to read.This set looks very much like the one he gave me.So I am going to order is and I will let you kmow how it goes

Not really *complete* but could be worse
I was excited to get a 'complete' kit for beginners, as that is what I am to calligraphy--a total novice. Instead of being pleased, I am mostly annoyed that I need to go out and buy a whole new "beginner's kit" of all the things this one is lacking.

The Pros:
* The booklet is small and gets to the point.There is not lengthy history of calligraphy as an art form to wade through before you get to the actual instruction.
* The construction of the "book" (actually a book shape that holds the booklet and all of the pens) is very good.I haven't lost any of the pieces yet.
* The pens seem to offer the experienced beginner several options with nib size and colored inks.

The Cons:
* The booklet tells you about letter spacing in one paragraph.So it is insinuated that "round" letters should be bigger than the other letters so that they appear truly round, but you only get one example, and it never comes up again.There should have been a practice sheet with a few vertical lines as well as horizontal, to help you get the hang of the spacing.
* The booklet does not show you the letterforms as they should be sized in relation to the practice sheet.Again, you get one example showing you the relative height of capital and lowercase letters, but you don't get to see a whole alphabet sized up against the practice sheet gridlines.
* The most frustrating thing: there is a single sheet of paper with gridlines, that you place under the practice paper--but the "practice" paper is so heavy that you cannot see through it!You can only see through the nicer parchment that is provided.So I have used up all of my parchment with practice work.
* The alphabets in the book are very simple (good for a beginner) but also very boring--I would have liked to see at least one really beautiful curvy alphabet at the end to look forward to...
* Beginners are encouraged to use the felt-tipped pen to get the hang of letterforms before moving on to the nib pens--so why not have two felt pens (a thick and a thin) and two nib pens instead of only one thick felt and three nibs?--I am still just a beginner!
* There are no instructions for how to clean the pens or switch from one colored ink to another.There must be tricks or techniques that I should be using.

Final thoughts: This was a great idea that was poorly executed.I think beginners would be more frustrated by their limitations with this set than inspired to progress.

I am buying a couple of Margaret Shephard books to get (a) more alphabets, and (b) more in-depth spacing and construction help, as well as trying to track down a big pad of practice paper and some more felt pens. ... Read more

Product Description
A remarkable series of studies (including 23 complete alphabets) in ornate penmanship, reprinted from a rare 19th-century volume on 50 full-page plates. Among the lettering styles and designs: Roman print, German text, Old English print, English church text, spurred and finished block letters and Gothic figures and flourishes. With notes and instructions. All designs copyright-free.
... Read more

Product Description
"A visually stunning study...these great illustrations will set a designer's heart on fire."—Interior Design

Islamic calligraphy traditionally took its inspiration from the Muslim belief in the divine origin of Arabic writing. In early Islam the use of Arabic writing is sacred, and official texts gave rise to a wonderful profusion of scripts and a calligraphic tradition that has flourished for over a thousand years—not only in manuscript decoration but also in architecture, ceramics, and painting.

This book provides a comprehensive survey of the subject from its earliest origins to the present day. It explains the geometrical and ornamental principles of calligraphy and examines the interdependence of script and page decoration. Finally, and perhaps most important, it contains outstanding examples of scripts—kufic, thuluth, naskhi, and maghribi—in a series of magnificent reproductions of manuscript pages, paintings, and other works of art. 232 illustrations, 98 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

GOOD ORIENTATION TO ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY
Overall a good intro to Islamic Calligraphy. More pictorial examples of Quranic manuscripts would have improved the contents relativity. Purchased it through Amazon's own bookstore - poor packaging - item arrived damaged considerably.

a beautiful book...
This is a beautifully presented book on Islamic Calligraphy. While providing background material and being informative, it also has many and varied examples presented in color. I did not know what to expect when Iordered it, but as soon as I opened it I was bowled over. This is a mustfor anyone who appreciates Islamic art, or for anyone who would like tolearn more of the history behind it.

An informative look at Islamic Calligraphy
This is an informative look at the development of Arabic Calligraphy through the ages and also at the leading figures engaged in its progress throughout the centuries. It has a detailed chronological format for those wishing to us it as a research aid. All round value, especially the calligraphic family tree on the back cover. ... Read more

Product Description

The first book on Japanese calligraphy from the significant Momoyama and Edo periods (1568–1868), 77 Dances examines the art of writing at a time when it was undergoing a remarkable flowering, as illustrated by over one hundred sumptuous illustrations. Everything from complex Zen conundrums to gossamer haiku poems were written with verve, energy, and creativity that display how deeply the fascination for calligraphy had penetrated into the social fabric of Japan. Examining the varied groups of calligraphers creating works for diverse audiences will show how these artistic worlds both maintained their own independence and interacted to create a rich brocade of calligraphic techniques and styles.

The book begins with basic information on calligraphy, followed by six main sections, each representing a major facet of the art, with an introductory essay followed by detailed analyses of the seventy-seven featured works. The essays include:

   • The revival of Japanese courtly aesthetics in writing out waka poems on highly decorated paper
   • The use of Chinese writing styles and script forms
   • Scholars who took up the brush to compose poems in Chinese expressing their Confucian ideals
   • Calligraphy by major literati poets and painters
   • The development of haiku as practiced by master poet-painters
   • The work of famous Zen masters such as Hakuin and Ryokan





 

Pages 8–9.


 

Pages 82–83. 

 

Pages 220–21. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Brush Dances, the Eyes Sing
Others have reviewed some of the academic aspects of this finely produced, indeed beautiful, tome on Japanese calligraphy through the ages. I agree that a few examples may not have been the best and that full inclusion of standard type kanji and kana would have been helpful. The short biosketches of each calligrapher brings some perspective of the context and content, particularly of the women writers. However, I also view the book as an artist who has studied with a Japanese Zen calligrapher and am hands-on familiar with brushes, their fluid motions, ink preparation, the arrangement and styles of characters, and the Chinese ideograms themselves. Here, the book is a treasure of personal interpretative art. Ten Post-its mark my own choice of inspirational pages, and I am certain that I will return again and again to study all aspects of line and space and to try my own hand. I truly appreciate this collection of calligraphy: its art, its history, its relationship to Japanese culture, and the personalities embedded, whether of academic seal or scribe script or of cursive styles, or of bold and direct Zen strokes. In short, I highly recommend the book to artists and art lovers and to students of Japan and Asian studies.

"Poets don't draw. They unravel their handwriting and then tie it up again, but differently."
What kind of art book has nothing but writing? Either a really poor one, or else an extremely nice one on the fine art of calligraphy--one such as "77 Dances" here. Indeed, this rather substantial tome is a beautifully printed book wonderfully showcasing this distinctive East Asian art form, particularly as it developed in Japan during the early modern period (mostly Edo/Tokugawa period and a bit before). Lavishly illustrated, it features seventy-seven full-page color plates of calligraphic art works, each by a different artist--along with a great number of supplementary figures and charts. The drawback to this format is that one can't really get acquainted with the work of each artist so deeply, but in compensation one gains a very vivid impression of calligraphy's overall astounding range in style, script, media, subject matter, purpose, and effect.

The book is well-written in more than one sense, too. Stephen Addiss draws upon his long-term experience in and regard for the art of calligraphy to provide this book with explanatory text of consummate clarity. He first draws the reader in, introducing the basics of calligraphy in Japan in a friendly and straightforward manner so that when we get to the actual works, neophyte and connoisseur alike are more or less starting on the same page. The works themselves are sub-divided into six somewhat overlapping but mostly distinguishable traditions, each of which Addiss describes and contextualizes historically: works of courtly waka poetry, those by Chinese culture enthusiasts, by Confucian scholars, by literati poets-painters, by haiku poets, and last but definitely not least Zen monks. And then each work and its artist are discussed in fine detail--often pointing out the techniques and particularities of a given calligraphy piece line by line. Even someone who's looked at calligraphy quite a bit before will find their eye being trained by his remarks to appreciate more consciously exactly what the artist is doing and why.

On a more personal note, I've long had an abiding interest in Japanese religion (especially Zen Buddhism), philosophy, and literature in Japan, and it was intriguing and fascinating to see many old familiar faces from these fields all show up in this different--and shared--context. In a new light, no less. And in their own handwriting, reflecting their individual personality and character in a manner the printed press can't quite convey. So while this is an excellent art book in and of itself, a real feast for the eyes, it's also quite relevant, useful, and informative for anyone who follows these other aspects of Japanese culture and history with any degree of enthusiasm and seriousness. Highly recommended.

Visual Elegance - 77 Dances
This collection is beautifully printed and is accompanied by perhaps the best and most sensitive descriptive analysis of visual works I've encountered. A rare chance to savor elegance and power in culturally nuancedwritings created over a span of three centuries by masters in the several significant cultural styles developed in Japan. One should complement this with study and viewing of earlier Chinese calligraphy and modern practice.

Mel Strawn, Professor Emeritus, University of Denver

Brilliant - a touch of insight
The book presents a selection of Japanese calligraphy over the indicated period. The related history of the art form is also reviewed. The author provides background for the works by rendering a picture of the lives of the artists. In addition, the reader is given ideas how to look at shodou drawn either by others or even by oneself.

I strongly suggest the book for both those just interested in shodou and in the related history as well as for those training the art themselves.

For the "GreatGreat, I-Love-It" -type of a review is never too useful, a few things I was left missing:
- Why were the characters of the 77 works not written out in standard font for reference? Such a minor extra would have been of a great value for me.
- Sure the 77 works were not intentionally selected but those accessible for the exhibition were all accepted. One may ask, whether a private letter really represents the artist better than an actual work of art.
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Product Description
Calligraphy and illumination, together with heraldry, comprise the three traditional skills of mediaeval book arts. In this wide-ranging guide they have been brought up-to-date by scribe and illuminator Patricia Lovett. Each section looks back at the historical roots of the subject before considering modern approaches. Manuscripts from The British Library and other sources support the text, which is designed to enable the reader to use this book both as a working guide and a fundamental source of reference. Sections include the range and selection of tools and materials for calligraphy, illumination and heraldry and how to letter. There are practical projects ranging from the simplest through to the more technically advanced, and a detailed reference section explains about the tools and materials including types and selection of papers; selection and care of brushes; colour theory and mixing; and choosing, preparing and stretching vellum. The study includes chapters by specialists in their fields: Hermann Zapf writes about type design; Dr Michelle P.Brown considers manuscript illumination; Dr Rosemary Sassoon discusses calligraphy and handwriting; and Hubert Chesshyre writes on being a modern herald today. ... Read more

Product Description
Learning the skill of calligraphy is not only an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but one that has practical value, for it is used increasingly nowadays in many professional areas. ... Read more

Product Description
Calligraphy is traditionlly a pen-to-paper craft but in this digital age even the fluidity of the pen can be replicated on a computer. Whether you are a traditional calligrapher who wants to know what digital has to offer, or someone familiar with computers who would like to create their own display lettering, this book will introduce you to the techniques of ink-free calligraphy. Information is presented in four sections. The first introduces the principles of calligraphy - its history, techniques and design; section two provides guidance on hardware and software programs, describing the basic tools and methods of digital calligraphy; the third section features step-by-step instructions to improve skills and develop personal style; finally, there is a gallery of calligraphic art, which shows examples from top designers to provide inspiration and ideas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A good basic primer, but not a full manual
For the rank beginner, this book may prove somewhat useful, but anyone who has studied the basics of calligraphy, and/or dabbled with some computer drawing software, will find this book lacking.
Each chapter covers the bare basics of it's topic, and no more.No subject is covered in depth, and there are no step-by-step tutorials, which the beginner that this book appears to be aimed at, would need.
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Product Description
A step-by-step guide features a convenient spiral-bound format, provides in-depth information on calligraphy tools and materials while demonstrating different types of script and their uses with a how-to alphabet. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

I knew it is not for me.
I already had the Chinese-calligraphy counterpart of this book. I just had to purchase this, too, even I did not expect much.

The book presents a brief history and the basic set of artist's equipment - two rating stars for that. The technique is also introduced but I recommend specialized texts instead. Only the dozens of pages concentrating on kana writing (both hiragana and katakana) were of some value as a model reference (thus +1 more star). Anyway, the project suggestions like seal carving or painting on a t-shirt are nonsense.

In general, this decorative book attracts one in a hurry to find a gift for someone else. I cannot recommend it for any other purpose. The same applies for "The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy" by Qu Lei Lei.

Japanese calligraphy instructional and art book
book is nicely done, an easy read and gives a good view for beginners on the Japanese written language and the arts surrounding it.

Excellent blend of oriental contents and western application!
This is an excellent book that brings life oriental cultures to western audiences by introducing not only the aesthetics but also practical applications of calligraphy. The book contains information and spirits that Japanese would want to communicate to the world in a persuasive way. Undoubtedly, there are many aspects of Japanese cultures that are under explained, partly because Japan has been closed to the world for a long time and its culture well preserved from the rest of the world. But this means there are not many Japanese who have enough international skills to fully explain what their culture and tradition are all about. In my opinion, the author has done a fantastic job doing just that explaining Japanese calligraphy together with its historical background as well as rich and deep cultural elements in a plain yet comprehensive language. In addition, it shows various applications for westerners who would want to try calligraphy. The profile of the author indicates she knows the ins and outs of Japanese culture and also well versed in western culture from her international experience which probably contributed to her writing and illustrating of such masterpiece. As a businessperson who sits between both oriental and western world, I can honestly say this book bridges the two worlds with full authenticity. Overall, the book is enlightening, entertaining, and artistic in its own right. The book is also good for value, and is surprising to come with a large sized hard cover full of wonderful pictures and illustrations - it itself can be a good interior to put on the bookshelf, even before mastering the skills and projects in the book!! ... Read more