The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy: The Ultimate Compendium on the Art of Fine Writing

by Christopher Calderhead (Editor), Holly Cohen (Editor)

Discover the sophisticated beauty of calligraphy from around the world with this comprehensive, one-of-a-kind resource.
 
This groundbreaking international tour of calligraphy now features a sumptuous new foil-stamped cover. Showcasing the work of a roster of international artists, it features more than 60 scripts drawn by experts from America and Armenia to Syria and Tibet. Reflecting the diversity of contemporary calligraphy, it includes lessons and exercises for learning to write 28 alphabets, including Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Roman, and more. This unique volume offers an exploration of each script’s history, while beautiful step-by-step instructions and examples will inspire and guide calligraphy enthusiasts and experts alike.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

320 pages, Hardcover

First published December 6, 2011

Reviews

[DJ Yossarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read all the text in this gorgeous book but I’ve pored over the examples and they are stunning indeed. The variety of written human expression transformed into art is so uplifting and inspiring. My own calligraphy supplies are calling out to me after a long hiatus after seeing this compendium of supplies, techniques, and finished works.

It could have used a few more pages on Ethiopic script, but that’s really a minor grumble given the breadth of information covered here. Borrowed it from the library but will definitely be getting my own copy for the permanent collection.

[Anwar Maricar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many interesting facts including history and evolving of scripts, grouping of languages and recording on palm leaves using calligraphy.

Other facts, the English language initially had only 23 alphabets. Letters like J, U & W joined English after the Roman period.

[Anna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this at Barnes and Noble and had flipped through a grand total of three pages when I knew I had to buy it. It's not even a book for calligraphers so much as a museum of different writing styles and alphabets from cultures all around the world. I can't stop geeking.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely compendium of living calligraphic traditions, simply and beautifully presented.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some nice calligraphy projects and alphabets from around the world and across time.

[Ladyknightstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am buying this book, after checking it out at the library. Since I am just getting into calligraphy, and have no pretensions whatsoever about expertise, this book offers a significant overview that is not unlike a beginning college level survey course. A sort of Calligraphy 101. I cannot judge however, if it is as it promises, "The Ultimate Compendium on the Art of Fine Writing," but it does offer quite DK Publisher like fascinating details as promised on history, craft and technique in summary. It is not detailed extensively in any one style or alphabet, but rather is an overall synopsis handy for those getting started deciding how to map out their future forays.

[Confucius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the book "The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy". It is really a great work on the calligraphy of the world. I like it so much. But as I read carefully the work, I think the examples on Chinese calligraphy in the book are a kind of simple. In fact, the model pictures can't represent the art level of the genuine traditional Chinese calligraphy. I hope the author can renew some typical examples on Chinese calligraphy, when the book is reissued.

[Beth Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and fascinating, although I kept wishing for sample printed texts for the non-Western alphabets.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for variety, and this provided depth.