The complete guide to calligraphy - Ralph Cleminson

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing. Since its beginning over 5,000 years ago, calligraphy and letterforms have played a very important part in the great cultures of the world. It is even popular with A-list movie star Brad Pitt, who presented Angelina Jolie on their first anniversary with a manuscript of twelve love poems loosely based on Shakespeare's sonnets, which he composed and penned himself in calligraphy.
This step-by-step and fully comprehensive guide to calligraphy includes the key scripts of the world in three sections: Latin, Non-Latin and Pictographic scripts. From Europe, all the main Latin alphabet styles and scripts are featured - Carolingian, Roman, Uncial, Gothic, Italic and Copperplate - in addition to Greek, Russian, Cyrillic, Hebrew and Arabic. The characters and scripts of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy are also revealed, including a range of inspirational characters. With full practical techniques for each, all the scripts are followed by a range of authentic projects that incorporate invitations, greetings, poetry and wisdom of the spirit from around the world. From personalised birthday cards in illuminated Carolingian script to a delicate Chinese talisman of 'hope, love, and joy' on handmade paper, this book makes the most of the calligrapher's motto: the joy of calligraphy lies in its practical aspect.