The Calligrapher's Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them [Spiral-bound]

David Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003

Both hobbyists and students of design will value this easy-to-use self-teaching book. Each of its 100 sections shows a complete A-to-Z calligraphy alphabet, with lessons on correct pen strokes and advice on avoiding errors. Beginners will find sound basic instruction, while experienced calligraphers can extend their repertoire with letter styles that range from classic Roman to clean and elegant contemporary styles. In addition to analysis of each alphabet's features, the book's detailed instruction provides information on-- Tools and materials * Layout basics * Numerals and punctuation * Illumination and ornamentation * Tips for the left-handed calligrapher . . . and more. Readers will also find examples by master calligraphers from past eras. This book's spiral binding ensures that pages lay flat when opened, allowing calligraphers to study and copy each pen stroke with ease. The Calligrapher's Bible is printed in color and features more than 350 illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beautifully illustrated examples of alphabets and projects also fill The Calligrapher's Bible by an internationally recognized calligrapher David Harris. The subtitle announces its "100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them", a promise that is more than kept."


— Pen World International, January 2004

About the Author

David Harris is an internationally recognized calligrapher who worked at several London design studios and advertising agencies before establishing his own design group. Subsequently, he took a teaching post at Exeter College of Art and Design in the U.K., where he specializes in teaching lettering and calligraphy. He has published several other books on the art of lettering and calligraphy.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764156152
• ISBN-13: 978-0764156151
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Arts & Photography > Study & Teaching
  • #20 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

135 of 137 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful is Right!, January 2, 2005

By 

Dew - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Calligrapher's Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them (Spiral-bound)

This book was a Christmas present to me from my daughter, and it is my favorite book on the subject of Calligraphy. It is spiral bound (Yes, the book lays flat!), which is great and it should be a must, with this type of book.

Its range is from classic Roman to elegant contemporary styles with some history. I found it to be suitable for beginner or expert.

Subject that are included are:

Tools and materials

Layout basics

Numerals and punctuation

Illumination and ornamentation

Tips for left-handed calligraphers

91 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvellous handbook!, May 8, 2006

By 

Merilahti Kristiina (Finland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Calligrapher's Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them (Spiral-bound)

I have dabbled with calligraphy and have several books myself, most of them are big and have beautiful pictures and present the same styles; Roman, Uncial, Italic and Gothic styles with some variations. I ordered this book because of the raving reviews and its low price and was greatly, pleasantly surprised!

Firstly: the book isn't big in size, it's actually about the size of a normal novel but had 256 pages. Secondly: it is spiral-bound which means it will stay flat and the spirals are inside the cover, safe from damage. And as the book doesn't take up much room on the table it's ideal to have around when you're working. Calligraphy equipment takes a lot of space. And thirdly: yes, there really are lots and lots of styles! I found beautiful, tempting styles with romantic names such as Luxeuil, Cancelleresca and Beneventan. There are two pages for every style, the alphabet is presented on the left page and basic structure on the right one. And many styles seem to include also such rare latters as German double-s, Swedish o (a with a little square on top) and Icelandic o with / over it.

I think this book works best for those who have already done some calligraphy, because it isn't as detailed when it comes to layout and other technical points as some of the books I have, the ones that have big pages and big pictures. But this is a very good book indeed for anyone interested - and look at the price! It's ridiculously low!!

83 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anyone interested in calligraphy, October 7, 2004

By 

Samia (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Calligrapher's Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them (Spiral-bound)

The Calligrapher's Bible is a must have book for anyone interested in calligraphy. I have been writing in only one style of calligraphy for years. So, I was excited to find this book of 100 complete alphabets of calligraphy. Now, I am learning all types of calligraphy from simple to elegant. The complete alphabet is provided for each style of calligraphy. There are also several examples of how to write letters for each alphabet. It is easy to follow and duplicate the alphabets from the book. The book also describes how to get started and provides some history of calligraphy. I would recommend this book to anyone who is learning calligraphy for the first time or the expert who wants to learn new alphabets.