Calligraphy in 24 Hours: Core Techniques, Alphabets, Projects

by Veiko Kespersaks

Calligraphy in 24 Hours is a carefully structured beginner's course. Learn the basic principles behind a range of alphabets, letter-by-letter and stroke-by-stroke, in a series of focused, technique-based tutorials.

* Teaches lettering for both broad-edge and pointed nibs in a range of scripts, beginning with easy-to-learn alphabets such as Roman Capitals and Foundational, and finishing with decorative scripts like Flourished Copperplate and Flourished Spencerian.

* Analyzes alphabets stroke-by-stroke, enabling you to reproduce letterforms with accuracy and consistency. Essential warm-up exercises build up speed and confidence.

* Teaches you how to create beautiful illuminated letters, how to lay out your letterforms and words, how to practice good spacing, work in and with color, and embellish basic alphabets with elegant flourishes.

* Includes a series of practical calligraphic craft projects taught by some of today's best calligraphers. Try your hand at designing a bookmark, manuscript book, family tree, or wedding invitation-and more.

VEIKO KESPERSAKS is a leading Scandinavian calligraphy specialist and lettering designer based in London. He has gained an international reputations as one of the most skilled lettering artists and teachers currently working in the field.

Genres: Reference, Art, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of info, tips, and creative ideas in one concise volume :)

[Trouble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out three calligraphy books, and out of those this is the one that I like the most. Calligraphy 24 hours, is of course, a deceptive claim. In 24 hours you could certainly read the book pretty thoroughly, but going through the exercises (several styles are demonstrated, with how to draw each letter) and mastering even the basics of a single style will take much longer.

The book does a better job than many books in explaining parts of the set-up process -- making a ladder of the x-height is explained clearly enough that even if you've never heard of a calligraphic ladder before you'll know what the heck one is and how to raise it after you've read that little paragraph. (Note: cannot be used to rescue cats.)

The first half of the book is explanation, the second half projects (as is the case with most books like this). Readers will benefit from having some familiarity with western calligraphy as there is so much good information in the book it might edge on being overwhelming for the total newcomer. I almost wish the book was more explanation, but warm-up exercises and clear instructions for things up to and including correction of errors, layout, and a variety of (very detailed) techniques for putting down gold leaf. Naturally disinclined to deal with gold even in jewelry form, having read the explanations in the book I feel comfortable enough to consider finally giving it a shot.

I don't really think the book could maintain what it is with more practice exercises, however, I do wish it had gone more the exercise-book route and been even more in-depth with its tutorials. This is my preference though; I think the author has done a good job with what s/he set out to do. Worth checking out from the library; I might consider it as a good beginner-level calligraphy book.

[Anthony Errickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introductory to learning the basics of Calligraphy.

[Miss Winsome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful for checking when I'm practicing my calligraphy.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful even for someone like me who was just starting to learn calligraphy. Love this book. Permanently placed on my art table.