The Calligrapher's Bible. 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them

Editorial Review
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.
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Customer Reviews

Marvellous handbook!

2006-05-08
I have dabbled with calligraphy and have several books myself, most of them are big and have beautiful pictures and present the same styles; Roman, Uncial, Italic and Gothic styles with some variations. I ordered this book because of the raving reviews and its low price and was greatly, pleasantly surprised!

Firstly: the book isn't big in size, it's actually about the size of a normal novel but had 256 pages. Secondly: it is spiral-bound which means it will stay flat and the spirals are inside the cover, safe from damage. And as the book doesn't take up much room on the table it's ideal to have around when you're working. Calligraphy equipment takes a lot of space. And thirdly: yes, there really are lots and lots of styles! I found beautiful, tempting styles with romantic names such as Luxeuil, Cancelleresca and Beneventan. There are two pages for every style, the alphabet is presented on the left page and basic structure on the right one. And many styles seem to include also such rare latters as German double-s, Swedish o (a with a little square on top) and Icelandic o with / over it.

I think this book works best for those who have already done some calligraphy, because it isn't as detailed when it comes to layout and other technical points as some of the books I have, the ones that have big pages and big pictures. But this is a very good book indeed for anyone interested - and look at the price! It's ridiculously low!!

Caligrapher's Bible

2006-03-17
I was able to pick up a few new styles. Not enough help for the lefties.

Calligraphy

2006-02-01
The book is very easy to follow, with diagrams showing you the angle to hold your pen and numbers to show you the order for writing each letter. Absolutely excellent; a must-have for true lovers of this art.

Reference for calligraphy

2005-09-30
I've taken several individual courses in calligraphy and have lots of individual workbooks of alphabets but this book is a concise and complete encyclopedia of different calligraphic hands. A great reference work when you want to find a specific style and also a great reference for beginners.

Wonderful resource

2005-08-26
I recently began a calligraphy service of my own and this book has been a tremendous help. It explores technique and shows exactly how to make all the letters. It's easy to look things up and use, since it has a well-organized table of contents and it lays flat on the table. I'm excited about learning all the new hands described here.

A Must for the Calligrapher

2008-06-26
This is the one major item you need to have to be serious about calligraphy. The alphabets are the perfect size for copying or enlarging for illumination(in the old fashioned since, no copier here). The book has great instructions for writing the letters. A great buy!

Loads of Possibilities

2007-10-12
I teach calligraphy and was looking for something to keep my beginner students going once they'd completed the course. This book is it. It gives samples of a hundred different fonts as well as clear instructions on how to create the letters. The spiral binding was a real plus as it lays flat on the work surface. If I get the chance to teach a Level II in Calligraphy this would be a book I could recommend.

A wonderful tool

2007-08-27
This is an excellent reference book for the beginner or advanced calligrapher. The spiral binding is a wonderful feature allowing the book to stay open while you practice. The pages are heavy duty and full color. The samples are beautiful and the history of writing is fascinating. Even though this book is available at my local library, I will probably purchase a copy for my everyday use at home.

Great!

2007-02-25
This is a great book for beginners. It has a great layout and is easy to understand.

The art of caligra[hy

2007-01-05
I need already to be a calligrapher in order to enjoy this 100 alphabets. Only two pages are dedicated to each of them. It is not enough if youa have not practiced previously the art of writing.