Calligraphy and Illumination : A History and Practical Guide

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"

Adult/High School-Lovett, a professional scribe, has written an amazing book for art students wanting a practical guide to calligraphy, illumination, and heraldry. It is also an amazing resource for those studying the Middle Ages. The author begins with a succinct description of calligraphy including how to sharpen a quill, recognize alphabets, design projects, and run a calligraphy studio. Illumination is discussed in detail with a stunning collection of graphics that describe how to gild and create illumination projects. Photographs of historical and modern illuminations are part of this section of the book. The final chapters pertain to heraldry-its history, design elements, and works of modern heralds. Several chapters written by other experts in the field are included. Readers will find this fine manual easy to read and visually captivating.

Linda A. Vretos, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Professionals and beginners alike will welcome this latest offering from calligrapher and medieval book arts expert Lovett, chair of the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society of England. She provides step-by-step, stroke-by-directional stroke instructions on everything from lettering techniques to a range of projects from basic page layouts to advanced design. Lovett explores the history of illuminated manuscripts as a fine art and as a design influence for today's artists, and includes chapters by renowned contributors Herman Zapf on type design; Michelle Brown on illumination; Rosemary Sassoon on handwriting and calligraphy; and Hubert Chesshyre on heraldry and coats of arms. The 225 illustrations, 175 in color, amply complement the text and include reproductions of some of the world's most exquisite illuminated manuscripts. The detailed back matter, a treasure trove of information, has a glossary, paginated index, reading list, and a reference section providing tips on paper, brush choice, and preparation of colors and vellum. Collections strong in the visual arts will be especially interested. Whitney Scott
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