These books in my collection are listed here in no particular order at this time. I noted several books as\u00a0RECOMMENDED for their particular excellence.<\/p>\n
Brenda Casey Zoby Annie Cicale Marie Angel Tom Gourdie Susan Sink Arthur Baker Mary Noble & Adrian Waddington Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing, Inc. Ed. Andreas Fingernagel and Christian Gastgeber Timothy R. Botts Timothy R. Botts, with reflections by Patricia Raybon Marilyn Reaves & Eliza Schulte Tom Gourdie Quill Publishing David Harris Arthur Baker Eugene Metcalf Margaret Shepherd Edited by Peter Halliday Heather Child Heather Child Arthur Baker Jenny Doh Carrie Imai George Thomson Timothy R. Botts Janet Mehigan & Mary Noble Gina Jonas Carol DuBosch Sheila Waters 101pp 1978<\/em> Christopher Calderhead Thames and Hudson Fred Eager Larry Menser Joanne Fink, Judy Kastin, Library of Applied Design Abraham Lincoln Marc Drogin Molly Suber Thorpe Friedrich Neugebauer Lee Hendrix and Thea Vignau-Eilberg Arthur Baker Text: Anthea Dove, calligraphy: Christina Caldwell Marie Angel Timothy R. Botts Timothy R. Botts James S. Free mantle John Stevens Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo 96pp 1991<\/em> 96 pp 1972<\/em> Steve Hustling Engraves by George Bickham Jess Park Timothy R. Botts Edward Johnson Jean Formo These books in my collection are listed here in no particular order at this time. I noted several books as\u00a0RECOMMENDED for their particular excellence. a A Passion for the Pen: The Art of Georgina Artigas Brenda Casey Zoby 64pp 2006 … Continue reading
\n64pp 2006<\/em>
\n Softcover. Retrospective of one very talented calligrapher. Full color.<\/em>
\nMany pointed pen works, and her flat pen work borrows from illuminated mss.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Inspiration from one person’s body of work, especially pointed pen enthusiasts and historical-inspired certificate makers … Respect for Georgina’s skill.<\/p>\nThe Art and Craft of Hand Lettering<\/h2>\n
\n192pp 2004<\/em>
\n Softcover. Full-color photos. Instructional.<\/em>
\nOne of the best-designed calligraphy books in my collection. Favorite book. Many project ideas. Works of many artists included.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gaining a solid foundation in basic letterforms … Ideas for applying your work (techniques) … Gallery inspiration … Owning a lovely book.\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nThe Art of Calligraphy: A practical guide<\/h2>\n
\n120pp 1970<\/em>
\n Paperback. B&W. Instructional.<\/em>
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Not sure; too general, and other books excel.<\/p>\nItalic Handwriting<\/h2>\n
\n96pp 1955<\/em>
\n Softcover. B&W. Instructional.<\/em>
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning the Italic handwriting (connected letters) style of writing. If your handwriting is terrible, you’d do us all a favor by following this book!<\/p>\nThe Art of the Saint John’s Bible<\/h2>\n
\n126pp<\/em>
\n Softcover. Full color illustrations among the text. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\nBilled as “A reader’s Guide to Pentateuch, Psalms, Gospels, and Acts.” Explains the significance of the art as it relates to the text, and gives us some history of illuminated Bibles, and insights into the artists of the Saint John’s Bible.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Viewing some of the art from the book at a lower price … For those who would meditate on Bible truths through artist inspiration (but I prefer the Bible text myself).<\/p>\nArthur Baker’s Historic Calligraphic Alphabets<\/h2>\n
\n89pp<\/em>
\n Softcover. Instructional. A rich array of alphabets. B&W.<\/em>
\nNeed much pen manipulations to create these.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Having a resource of styles handy.<\/p>\nThe Art of Color Calligraphy<\/h2>\n
\n175pp<\/em>
\n Hardback. Full color. Dust jacket. Techniques.<\/em>
\nLavishly illustrated volume with carefully photographed steps for a variety of color techniques. Chapters on alphabets, backgrounds, borders and images, gilding, and a gallery makes this a rich guide for the application of color. “A Complete Sourcebook of Color Calligraphy Techniques.”
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Interested in trying gilding … Color and lettering … Color backgrounds … Color borders.\u00a0\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nThe Art of Zentangle<\/h2>\n
\n144pp 2013<\/em>
\nPaperback. Instructional. Techniques. B&W.<\/em>
\nThis book has “50 inspiring drawings, designs and & ideas for the meditative artist.”
\nGood for: … learning Zentangle patterns in repeating squares, filling shapes, creating hair and other graphical elements, mandalas, borders, and more.<\/p>\nb<\/h1>\n
The Book of Bibles<\/h2>\n
\n461pp year not given<\/em>
\nHardcover. With dust jacket. History. Full color.<\/em>
\nThe subtitle says it all: The Most Beautiful Illuminated Bibles of the Middle Ages. I picked it up at The Getty Museum bookstore.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … seeing an extensive collection of illustrated bibles … learning from the many illustrations, illuminated letters, and different styles of writing.<\/p>\nThe Book of Psalms<\/h2>\n
\n152pp 1997<\/em>
\n Hardcover with paper dust jacket. Full color. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\nAll 150 psalms from the Bible are included, accommodated by select expressive calligraphy works on almost every other page.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration … Christian contemplation.<\/p>\nBound for Glory<\/h2>\n
\n128pp 2011<\/em>
\n Hardcover. Full color. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\nHere, the author applies his expressive calligraphy to the African American spirituals. The song lyrics are included, Bible verses, and brief meditation by Patricia. This carefully-designed fifth volume by Botts gives me an appreciation for his large body of work. He has found his calling and has consistently applied his skills to his aim: to glorify God and His words.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration … Christian contemplation.<\/p>\nBrush Lettering<\/h2>\n
\n176pp 1994<\/em>
\n Paperback. Western brush calligraphy. B&W.<\/em>
\nFlat and pointed brush styles covered.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning alphabets with flat and pointed brush as a beginner … Gallery inspiration.\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nc<\/h1>\n
Calligraphic Styles<\/h2>\n
\n106pp 1979<\/em>
\n Paperback. B&W. Instruction.<\/em>
\nStandard alphabet construction. Small gallery in back. Hand-lettered throughout.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Seeing a fine example of a book written entirely in Italic handwriting.<\/p>\nThe Calligrapher’s Handbook<\/h2>\n
\n64 pp<\/em>
\n Hardback. Dust jacket. B&W and some color.<\/em>
\nA nice overview of the art of calligraphy. Principles. Lots of text to explain the different aspects of calligraphy.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Like the Speedball Textbook, but more explanatory text … For newcomers.<\/p>\nCalligraphy<\/h2>\n
\n127pp 1991<\/em>
\nHardcover. With dust jacket. B&W and color People sketches.<\/em>
\nDavid introduces 20 international calligraphy masters of his time, shows some of their works, and explains some of the techniques used in their works.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … gallery of calligraphic works … learning more about the people who shaped calligraphy.<\/p>\nCalligraphy by Arthur Baker<\/h2>\n
\n155pp<\/em>
\n Softcover. B&W Dover publication.<\/em>
\nMany experimental styles.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Having a resource of broad-edges styles to gain inspiration for rough, custom scripts.<\/p>\nCalligraphy: Lettering and Design<\/h2>\n
\n64pp 1986<\/em>
\n Softcover. B&W and color.<\/em>
\nA Walter Foster Publication. Overview. Project examples. Many ways of applying calligraphy.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … A supplement to the Speedball Textbook if you are doing a wide variety of practical work like logos, postcards, posters, etc.<\/p>\nCalligraphy Made Easy<\/h2>\n
\n112pp<\/em>
\n Softcover. B&W.<\/em>
\nI estimate there are 150 styles in this book. Something for everyone. Pen nib ladders and pen angle shown for each. Novelty alphabets throughout. I would use very few for serious work.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Having a resource of styles handy, especially quirky or novelty styles.<\/p>\nCalligraphy Masterclass<\/h2>\n
\n127pp 1990<\/em>
\n Hardback. Full-color illustrations.<\/em>
\n15 international calligraphers demonstrate their work processes, following a design to the end, explaining the challenges and solutions they encountered along the way.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Reading about the thought processes of experienced designers as they progressed through a work.<\/p>\nCalligraphy Today<\/h2>\n
\n112pp 1963<\/em>
\n Hardback. Dust cover. Retrospective. B&W.<\/em>
\nMany examples of calligraphy from the early 1960’s.
\nGood for:<\/strong> .. Gallery inspiration.<\/p>\nCalligraphy Today<\/h2>\n
\n128pp 1988<\/em>
\n Hardcover. Retrospective. B&W and color throughout.<\/em>
\nExamines the lives of 20 calligraphers who specialize in abstract calligraphic works, especially to express themselves. Understand their work through their eyes.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration of expressive calligraphic works. Gain understanding how abstract artists think about their work.<\/p>\nChancery Cursive Stroke by Stroke<\/h2>\n
\n63pp 1982<\/em>
\n Softcover. Staple bound. Instructional.<\/em>
\nIncludes line drawings of the hand and pen to show his pen manipulations in the forming of each letter. One letter per page. Very nice hand.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning how to make this handsome version of italic script. … Want to see good example of pen manipulation.<\/p>\nCreative Lettering: Techniques & Tips by Top Artists<\/h2>\n
\n144pp<\/em>
\n Softcover. Instructional. Full color.<\/em>
\nMostly monoline pen lettering styles with a casual and funky flair.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Those who want a variety of casual lettering styles and graphic techniques.<\/p>\nd<\/h1>\n
Dancin’ Pen (video and book)<\/h2>\n
\n46pp 2012<\/em>
\n Paperback. Plus CD. Spiral bound. Instructional.<\/em>
\nTeaches one lettering style. Full-color photos and examples. Video has excellent production values.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning the “Imai-talic” form of casual lettering … Learning through video.
\nReviewed<\/a><\/p>\nDigital Calligraphy<\/h2>\n
\n160pp<\/em>
\n Softcover. Instructional. Color illustrations.<\/em>
\nHow to use the computer to create lettering designs.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Those who want to know how to use the computer in the creation or manipulation of calligraphic artwork.<\/p>\nDoorposts<\/h2>\n
\nNo folios. about 120pp 1986<\/em>
\n Hardcover with dust cover and plastic cover. Full color. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\nSixty calligraphic renderings of Bible passages, with notes by Botts. He endeavors to design his work to reflect the meaning or feeling behind the verses.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration … Christian contemplation.<\/p>\ne<\/h1>\n
The Encyclopedia of Calligraphy Techniques<\/h2>\n
\n169pp<\/em>
\n Hardback. Dust jacket. Techniques. Full color.<\/em>
\nBeautifully illustrated volume with gorgeous and inspirational artwork in the gallery. Chapters cover tools and materials, basic penmanship, alphabets, and illumination. The gallery has some of the most stunning work among all my other books.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning about illuminated letters … Learn a variety of ways of gilding … Basic alphabets … Jaw-dropping gallery inspiration.\u00a0\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nf<\/h1>\n
Finding the Flow: A Calligraphic Journey<\/h2>\n
\n82pp 2006<\/em>
\n Comb bound. B&W. Instructional. Self-published.<\/em>
\nExploring shapes and strokes. Experimental personal journey.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Getting out of a rut … Loosen up your style … See your work and designs in a new light … Need exercises for better pen control.<\/p>\nFolded Pen Adventures<\/h2>\n
\n32pp 2018<\/em>
\nPaperback. Instructional. Full color.<\/em>
\nCarol helps us create dynamic works with the folded pen that she has been using for the past 20 years.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … learning to use the folded pens … many variations and techniques covered to keep growing in skill … gallery of work for inspiration.<\/p>\nFoundations of Calligraphy<\/h2>\n
\n126pp 2006, 2008<\/em>
\n Spiral bound, hard cover. Instructional.<\/em>
\nCovers the finer details of the foundational alphabets in fine detail. B&W. Includes many examples from old manuscripts.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gaining a solid foundation in basic letterforms … See many varied forms of the basic letterforms … Learning design and layout … Gallery inspiration.\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nh<\/h1>\n
The Hunt\/Speedball Calligraphy Workbook: An Italic workbook<\/h2>\n
\n Softcover. B&W. Instructional. Hand-lettered throughout.<\/em>
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning to write Italic cursive handwriting in a workbook format.<\/p>\ni<\/h1>\n
Illuminating the Word: The Making of The Saint John’s Bible<\/h2>\n
\n216pp 2005<\/em>
\n Hardback. Dust cover. Full color illustrations. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\nMany aspects of this project are thoroughly covered here. (I marked this as “Religious\/Christian” because of the content of the Saint John’s Bible, not the content of this work.)
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning about the people and practices behind the making of the calligraphic works of this book … Viewing the artwork created for the Bible.\u00a0\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nInternational Calligraphy Today<\/h2>\n
\n192pp 1982<\/em>
\n Hardcover. Retrospective. A few pages of color work.<\/em>
\nMany examples of calligraphy.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration.<\/p>\nThe Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting: Cursive and Calligraphic<\/h2>\n
\n109+pp 1967, 1974<\/em>
\n Paperback. Instructional. Staple bound. Workbook. B&W.<\/em>
\nMy intro to Italic calligraphy at the beginning.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … One who can learn through a systematic, workbook process … Learning the Italic style.<\/p>\nl<\/h1>\n
Learning Copperplate\/Spencerian Script<\/h2>\n
\n54pp 1980<\/em>
\n Softcover. Instructional. Workbook. B&W.<\/em>
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Compared to Script in the Copperplate Style, it’s pretty limited in its instruction.<\/p>\nLettering Arts<\/h2>\n
\n192pp 1993<\/em>
\nSoftcover\u00a0with dust jacket. Anthology. Full color throughout.<\/em>
\nAbsolutely excellent examples of calligraphy throughout.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … \u00a0Jaw-dropping gallery inspiration.\u00a0\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nLittle Marks Earn Big Bucks<\/h2>\n
\n78pp 1984<\/em>
\n Softcover. B&W. Business.<\/em>
\nPointers on charging, certificates, business cards, invitations, menus, birth certificates, work agreements, posters, and tips on supplies. “A practical guide to earn extra cash using calligraphy.”
\nGood for:<\/strong> … General advice on making a wide variety of projects you’d expect to provide as a business, but little on actual pricing.<\/p>\nm<\/h1>\n
Medieval Calligraphy: Its History and Technique<\/h2>\n
\n197pp 1980<\/em>
\n Hardcover with dust jacket. Instructional and in-depth history.<\/em>
\nMany fine alphabets. Examples from manuscripts. B&W.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learn medieval letterforms … Learn lettering history.\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nModern Calligraphy<\/h2>\n
\n184pp 2013<\/em>
\nPaperback. Instructional. Full color gallery of finished works. Techniques.<\/em>
\nThe subtitle says it all: “Everything you need to know to get started in script calligraphy plus 20 DIY projects for weddings, parties, blogs, and more.” A beautifully designed book.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … learning various styles of modern calligraphy using the pointed pen … 20 colorful projects to put your knowledge to work.<\/p>\nThe\u00a0Mystic Art of Written Forms: An Illustrated Handbook For Lettering<\/h2>\n
\n142pp 1979<\/em>
\nHardback, with dust jacket. Mostly\u00a0B&W; a few pages in color.\u00a0Instructional.\u00a0<\/em>
\nMany comments on letterforms and their construction with plenty of illustrations.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Beginners …\u00a0Gallery Inspiration.<\/p>\nn<\/h1>\n
Nature Illuminated: Flora and Fauna from the Court of the Emperor Rudolf II<\/h2>\n
\n64pp<\/em>
\n Hardback. Full color. Historical.<\/em>
\nFrom the J. Paul Getty museum, Los Angeles. Utterly rich and fascinating array of calligraphy adorns this book’s collection of nature paintings. You’ll see unique calligraphy styles here that are found nowhere else.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Historical interest in unusual hands.<\/p>\nNew Calligraphic Ornaments & Flourishes<\/h2>\n
\n78pp 1981<\/em>
\n Paperback. Dover Publication.<\/em> B&W.<\/em>
\nFull of examples, though very few I found useful.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … When you want broad-edge pen ideas for calligraphic ornaments, such as at the top or bottom of sections, or borders.<\/p>\no<\/h1>\n
Out of the Ordinary<\/h2>\n
\n118pp 1994<\/em>
\nPaperback. 52 meditations. B&W.<\/em>
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Christian contemplation … wide variety of calligraphy styles in B&W.<\/p>\np<\/h1>\n
Painting For Calligraphers<\/h2>\n
\n128pp\u00a01984<\/em>
\nHardcover with dust jacket. Instructional. Full color.<\/em>
\nMany examples of Marie’s fine, small animal paintings.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … If you want to paint miniatures, this is a terrific companion guide on how to lay in the colors. She tells you what kinds of design elements to think of for plants, animals, color, pigments, and more.<\/p>\nPortraits of the Word<\/h2>\n
\n152pp 2001<\/em>
\n Hardcover. Full color. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\n75 calligraphic interpretations of Bible verses, with prayers and notes about the calligraphy by the artist.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration … Christian contemplation.<\/p>\nProverbs<\/h2>\n
\nNo folios. approx 150pp 1994<\/em>
\n Hardcover. Full color. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\n75 proverbs from the Bible in expressive calligraphy on every other page.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration … Christian contemplation.<\/p>\nThe Psalms of David<\/h2>\n
\n342pp<\/em>
\n Hardback with dust cover. Full color. Religious\/Christianity.<\/em>
\nThe artist lavishly illustrated all 150 psalms from the Bible for his wife.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Inspiration for text and layout … Religious contemplation.<\/p>\ns<\/h1>\n
Scribe: Artist of the Written Word<\/h2>\n
\n264pp\u00a02013<\/em>
\nHardcover with dust jacket. Instructional. Full color throughout.<\/em>
\nAbsolutely excellent examples of calligraphy throughout. Many instructional gems on training to be a better calligrapher.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Learning how a great calligrapher thinks\u00a0… Gaining many insights into becoming a better calligrapher … Learning of those design and craft elements that are of particular interest to serious calligraphers …\u00a0\u00a0Jaw-dropping gallery inspiration.\u00a0\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nScript in the Copperplate Style<\/h2>\n
\n90pp<\/em>
\n Downloaded from website at iampeth.com. Instructional.<\/em>
\nEvery letter covered in detail. A few pages include spot color.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Painstaking, detailed instruction for the execution of every letter in the Copperplate script … Free!<\/p>\nThe Speedball Textbook, 22nd edition<\/h2>\n
\n Paperback. Alphabets. Saddle stitch (staple bound). Full color gallery of finished works.<\/em>
\nGreat collection of letterforms at hand and how to form them.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Ready-at-hand resource for many letterforms … Easy-to-carry reference book … Project advice … Pen patterns.\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nThe Speedball Textbook, 20th edition<\/h2>\n
\nPaperback. Alphabets. Saddle stitch (staple bound). Full color gallery of finished works.<\/em>
\nGreat collection of letterforms at hand and how to form them.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Ready-at-hand resource for many letterforms … Easy-to-carry reference book … Project advice … Pen patterns.\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nSpiritual Calligraphy<\/h2>\n
\n36pp 2013<\/em>
\n Softcover. Full color. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\nA devotional featuring one devotional and calligraphic treatment per chapter in the Gospel of Mark, 16 total works. Features photos of calligraphy tools and notes to inform the non-calligrapher. Colophon pages describe how each work was created, including tools, media, and hand used.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration … Christian contemplation.<\/p>\nu<\/h1>\n
The Universal Penman<\/h2>\n
\n212pp<\/em>
\n Softcover. B&W. Historical.<\/em>
\nLavishly illustrated examples of exquisite pointed pen calligraphy.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration, especially pointed pen … See examples of a variety of script styles … Have ornaments and flourishes on hand for reference.\u00a0\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nw<\/h1>\n
Watercolor Lettering<\/h2>\n
\n128pp 2018<\/em>
\n Paperback. Full color.<\/em>
\n“A Step-by-Step Workbook for Painting Embellished Scripts and Beautiful Art.” You’ll learn to paint watercolor leaves, fruit, mountains, fields, and wreaths, as well as learn common watercolor techniques and modern calligraphy.<\/p>\nWind Songs<\/h2>\n
\nNo folios. About 120pp 1989<\/em>
\n Hardcover with dust cover and plastic cover. Full color. Religious\/Christian.<\/em>
\nSixty calligraphic interpretations of hymns and spiritual songs, with notes by the artist.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration … Christian contemplation.\u00a0\u00a0RECOMMENDED.<\/p>\nWriting & Illuminating & Lettering<\/h2>\n
\n439pp 1977<\/em>
\n Softcover. B&W. Glossy pages of photographic plates. Spot\u00a0 color used sparingly. Instructional\/Historical.<\/em>
\nWritten by the man who is single-handedly responsible for the revival of calligraphy in our day.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Reading Edward’s own historic handbook of calligraphy, and reading the most authoritative work for his time.<\/p>\ny<\/h1>\n
The Year of our Lord 2008 Printery House Desk Calendar<\/h2>\n
\n[No folios]<\/em>
\n Softcover. Comb binding. Religious\/Christian. Calendar.<\/em>
\nA colorful verse illustrates every week of this weekly calendar.
\nGood for:<\/strong> … Gallery inspiration for simple styles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"