The Complete Guide to Calligra

The most comprehensive guide to learning the art of calligraphy.

This step-by-step handbook to the ancient art of beautiful lettering includes the key scripts of the world: Europe's major Roman alphabets (including Versal and Copperplate), Greek, Cyrillic, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.

Each of the 14 script-technique sections contains a wealth of information and instruction, including:

• Letter anatomy
• Pen techniques and control
• Pens, brushes and nibs
• Stroke sequences
• Paper and other media
• Left-handed techniques
• Inks, paints and metallics
• Common mistakes and problem-solving tips.

There are 50 authentic projects such as a kabbalah prayer in Hebrew, a fabric bag with Bedouin motif, an illuminated Celtic prayer, and a "hope, love and joy" talisman in Chinese.

Whether for learning this ancient skill or for crafting personalized cards and gifts, this book celebrates the sage advice of calligraphers worldwide: "The joy of calligraphy lies in its practical aspect."

Ralph Cleminson is Professor of Slavonic Studies at the University of Portsmouth in England and Visiting Professor at the Central European University in Budapest. He is a specialist in medieval manuscripts and early-printed books, with a particular interest in development of writing systems.