Customer Reviews
Amazing in the scope, beauty, and wonderful instructions! 
2008-10-08
I have wanted to learn how to do beautiful Illuminated Letters for a few decades now....and have managed to buy a couple of 'reproduction' Bibles and such- that had a few illuminated letters in them. But nothing I found had nearly enough information to really feel like I could do more than exactly copy a given letter- and in fact the books I had told me NOTHING about how to get the effects....
Well, this book literally had my jaw on the floor when I first looked through it. I have now had a chance to really examine it. The list of materials and techniques- before you even get to the lettering part is amazing...I will likely never use 'real' calf skin vellum, but it is nice to know HOW to use it (stretching it and handling it) if I ever get really good at this.
The book covers a huge number of TYPES of illuminated letters- Gothic, Celtic, Ottonian, Romanesque, Renaissance, Neo-Classical, and more....There are very detailed step by step instructions for doing at least one letter in every style- and much more- including letter and number examples, script examples for the rest of your writing.
In short, if you have ANY interest in the subject you will want to own this book...I may just sleep with it under my pillow tonight I love it so much!!
AWESOME ILLUMINATED 2008-10-05
Beginning to experienced, it does not matter, this book will fit in wonderfully with all your needs and wants. And when you're done with the book, proudly display its beauty. From illuminating capitals to writing script or learning the styles and techniques, this book has just enough of what you're looking for.
The Bible of Illuminated Letters 2008-07-30
Excellent from the beginning to the end. I used it for a class for Seniors, everyone was impressed with the knowledge, many ordered this book for future reference.
Only Accomplished, Affluent Artists Need Purchase! 
2008-07-02
There's little question that this is a beautifully produced book, and a delight to flip through. Just fine, if this were marketed as a coffee-table book. The product description is quite misleading, however, giving the impression that the book contains step-by-step instructions that anyone could follow. However, completing the projects as described requires not only a sizable investment in various paints, inks, tools and other materials (vellum and gold leaf are two examples) but also the skilled hand of a fairly well-accomplished painter. Moreover, each chapter showcases only one letter from the alphabet covered in a step-by-step, color format; the rest of the alphabet is printed in small, black-and-white renditions, with little or no guidance regarding colorschemes, etc. Overall, this book reads like the pet project of a collection of affluent artists in this genre, concerned primarily with showboating and of the opinion that few buyers of the book will ever use it as anything more than...like I said earlier...a coffee-table book.
BEAUTIFUL book on illuminated letters! 2008-06-08
I have a couple of books on illuminated letters, but this one is the book I reach for first.
It is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!
It is produced by the "Barron's" company [which also publishes "The Calligrapher's Bible" by David Harris], and they know how to publish calligraphy books - their books are SPIRAL-BOUND so that they lay flat when you are using them, and every detail has been thought of and included.
Just the cover alone is beautiful, but once you open the book it is evident that the author and publisher are truly on the "same page". Illustrations on every page. Gold ink where it belongs. Color everywhere.
Gorgeous!
But that's not the end of it ...
Chapter 1 : Tools & Techniques
Chapter 2 : Preparing to Work
Chapter 3 : Alphabet Directory (including "Borders & Motifs")
Chapter 4 : Contemporary Gallery (examples of actual work by artists!)
Glossary
Resources
Calligraphy Societies
Further Reading
Index
I can't gush on about this book enough. If you are interested in calligraphy (especially illuminated letters) then DEFINITELY add this to your collection!
I wish I would have had this years ago 2008-02-25
The ancient art of illuminating manuscripts is currently attracting many new enthusiasts among artists, art students, and lovers of calligraphy. The Bible of Illuminated Letters is a volume they’ll all want to add to their collections. It presents step-by-step instructions for recreating twelve illuminated alphabets. Among them are Celtic, Saxon, Gothic, Romanesque, Modern Revival, and seven more, including several modern scripts. Detailed diagrams instruct on creating upper- and lower-case letters, as well as on ways for designing borders and decorations. More ambitious students can also follow clear directions for gilding—decorating with gold leaf—as was originally done in medieval European monasteries. Readers and students of illumination who open this book will find: a history of illumination; required tools, techniques, and materials for illuminating; instruction in layout and design; and steps to follow in order to create 12 alphabet styles. This beautiful book also features a picture gallery of outstanding historical and contemporary illuminated letters, as well as a glossary and index. More than 400 inspiring color illustrations in total.
Favorite Illumination Book 2008-02-08
This is my favorite illumination book and I have many. As a scribe in training in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), I am learning all the facets of calligraphy and illumination. This book is the one I refer to the most. I have purchased copies for friends and recommend it highly. It has detailed step by step instructions from painting to gilding. It is easy to read and has beautifully illustrated images.
BREATHTAKING 2007-11-19
THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE, BEAUTIFULLY LAYED OUT BOOK WITH STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CREATE ILLUMINATED LETTERS. IT IS QUITE DETAILED & HAS MANY COLORFUL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT IMPEL ONE TO START DRAWING THESE BREATHTAKING LETTERS RIGHT AWAY. I THINK THE PRICE IS LOW & I WOULD'VE PAID MORE FOR SUCH A HIGH QUALITY BOOK. IT'S A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY LIBRARY. A+
The Bible of Illuminated Letters 2007-11-13
I adore this book. It is full of detailed information and plenty of illustrations for the examples. It is binded on a spring which makes it easy to keep open.
There are many hours of work in the preparation of this book.
Great book for intermediate "scribes" 2007-04-13
I wish I could recommend this book for complete beginners, but I can't. Some of the techniques in this book will require lots and lots of practice (as it did me) to get up to speed. You can't just jump right in and turn out a beautiful illuminated manuscript on the level of "The Book of Hours".
To get going, I'd purchase a learning book on the art of calligraphy (which is plenty of fun on its own, and beautiful to boot!) with lessons, otherwise you'll wind up in the position of creating a nicely illuminated letter and the botch the calligraphic text, losing all your hard work. By all means, get this book to add the beautiful finishing touch of illumination to your work once you're happy with your writing.
In all, this book covers what you'll need to start illuminating, the techniques and pitfalls you'll meet along the way, some calligraphy techniques, and the styles of illumination from Gothic to contemporary.
