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Calligraphy and Illumination: A History and Practical Guide

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A practical guide that explores the history of calligraphy and illumination. The author provides step-by-step instructions and ideas for creating letter shapes, page layouts and illuminated designs.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

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About the author

Patricia Lovett

19 books3 followers

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5 stars
22 (44%)
4 stars
21 (42%)
3 stars
6 (12%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Mircah Foxwood .
320 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2024
I may return again to this intriguing book. It not only provides historical examples of calligraphy and illumination for those wishing to see examples, but also explains how to mix egg tempura or add gold leaf for those who want to experiment. Historical alphabets, handwriting, calligraphy and typeface are all touched on. The book concludes with an overview of heraldry.

A good introduction to this topic.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,344 reviews
February 8, 2020
This book was so impressive I bought a used copy--it's no longer in print. If you have ever picked up a calligraphy pen or even looked at illuminations in manuscripts or other places, you will appreciate all the detail the author has put into this volume.
Profile Image for James.
4,459 reviews
March 13, 2019
Filled with many examples of calligraphy [alphabets & projects] that I will enjoy trying out. As well as many tips and tricks that will be useful. I liked the heraldry section as well.
236 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2009
I looked casually through this book. I'm not hardcore into calligraphy or anything; it was just a random book that looked like it might be interesting. So my score doesn't reflect its usefulness, just my feeling about it.

Actually, the real reason anyone should look at this book is all the information it provides on British heraldry. There are pictures, written descriptions, how to get a crest, when people combine their symbols, etc. However, I still don't know what "Or" means in the heraldic descriptions (and it's used a lot).

It also explains that those heraldic rules are unique to Britain. Other countries' heraldry took different paths: some have no laws or rules whatsoever.
307 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2011
As an apspiring student of the art I would highly recommend this book
Plenty of classical alphabets presented in a most maticulous fashion.
lots of Historical background even a chapter on Heraldry.
Its by far the most useful calligraphy reference I've seen and there are plenty out there.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews