Handwriting Analysis: The Complete Basic Book

by Karen Kristin Amend, Mary Stanbury Ruiz

Learn the many ways handwriting can reveal personality traits in this comprehensive introduction to graphology.   In Handwriting Analysis, graphology expert Karen Kristin Amend offers a fresh approach to the principles of graphology. Covering all aspects of handwriting, from size and spacing to pace and form quality, this book is designed to help readers learn the skills of whole-person profiling.   Amend demonstrates how to determine various personality traits ranging from mood to moral character, self-confidence, and emotional needs. She also shows how to detect emotional disturbance or mental illness. With new material for understanding the significance of the writing rhythm, this volume also provides handwriting samples of famous people.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Reference, Writing, Science, Self Help

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1980

Reviews

[Valerie Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on Handwriting Analysis that I have ever read, and I have read several other publications. I was quite surprised at the less than stellar reviews from others on this site. It appears to me that some of the readers were only reading the book for some basic handwriting information, without the intent for detailed study and/or education in graphology. In my case, graphology was an important part of my career, which gave me greater insight into many of the people I encountered.
I took multiple classes in graphology using this book as a text during my career and this is still my "go to" book for double checking what a specific letter or other handwriting component means. I don't remember every tiny nuance, but this book helps immensely.
I have found the information that Karen Amend and Mary Ruiz shared to be quite accurate, even throughout the years. It's as fresh today as it was back in the 80s when the book was first published.
If you have a sincere interest in handwriting analysis, this is the book for you. It follows a natural progression on writing, including zones (upper/middle/lower), slant, pressure, use of the page, styles of writing (garland, arcade, angular, etc…), and, as stated in earlier reviews, multiple celebrity signatures and other writing samples from criminals and other types of people.
If you are looking for fluff just to pass the time, this is not your book. This book will change the way you think about your own handwriting, as well as the handwriting of people you meet along your way.
Finally, keep in mind that just having a basic knowledge, while helpful, is not all there is to know. Judgments about people should be reserved for those who have extensive education in graphology. Continuing studies are necessary to build proficiency in handwriting analysis. This amazing beginner's book sets you on a course for success. I highly recommend it.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book presents some interesting ideas but Amend seems to pull a lot out of her ass too (though that was expected in a book like this). It's a fun read that'll probably inspire you to write the same sentence over and over in different ways just for the sake of comparison. The collection of 'celebrity' handwriting samples is easily the book's best feature; where else are you gonna see Liz Taylor and Ted Bundy side by side?

[Kevin LaBrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book and use it often.

[Brent Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fun stuff to use on your friends.

[Agoes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Saya baca terjemahan bahasa Indonesia buku ini dan merasa sangat kecewa dengan hasil terjemahannya. Jelek. Jelek banget. Jueleeeeek (oke ini rada berlebihan).

Sama seperti buku grafologi lain, buku ini nggak menjelaskan kelemahan-kelemahan grafologi dan batasan penggunaannya. Yah, namanya juga orang jualan lah ya. Di buku ini juga nggak dijelaskan bagaimana prosesnya bisa ditemukan diagnosis fragmental yang spesifik banget itu. Intinya ini buku primbon, jadi nggak terlalu saya rekomendasikan.

Buku ini banyak muncul di toko buku, dan ini bikin saya khawatir... karena bisa-bisa jadi ada banyak orang yang merasa bisa 'membaca' orang tanpa memiliki konsep dasar tentang teori kepribadian yang kuat.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, with many sections covering a wide variety of topics. Due to the information contained, and possibly because i don't have a psychological background, i find i use it as more of a reference book, gradually adding to my knowledge of this fascinating subject, rather than being a 'one read' kind of book.
All in all very good, well presented for a complex subject

[Debumere · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book but if intend to memorise it I'll never get anywhere. Have mentally noted little things like size of letters and slants, will just call everyone a psychopath.

Interesting reading. One of those you'll continuously refer back to so keeping it beside my bed.

[Jyotika Varmani · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a well-written and detailed book. The organization and style of presentation make for easy learning. I would have appreciated some exercises though. Nevertheless, excellent effort by the authors.

[Rhiannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now I know how to analyse y'all's handwriting :DD

[Bagus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has made my eyes open to such writings. I can see people's heart only by reading their writings.

Thank you verymuch to Karen& Mary !!

[Annisa MoeL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Menurut saya lebih enak bacanya melompat ke halaman-halaman yang kita taksir & perlukan, karena bukunya cukup tebal.

[Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the checklists provided in the book, great for beginner graphologists!