Calligraphy Alphabets Made Easy (Perigee) [Paperback]

Margaret Shepherd (Author)

Book Description

Series: Perigee | Publication Date: July 25, 1986

This book is a totally new concept in learning and improving calligraphy skills. It presents a new lettering challenge for each day of the year; 365 in all (plus a bonus for Leap Day), ranging from 'angular Italic' to 'turned Celtic.' These alphabets are the perfect program for beginners learning the art of beautiful writing. They also offer the best form of practice and improvement for experienced calligraphers.

In addition to daily practice, a practical lettering project is presented for each week. There are 52 in all, ranging from wholly creative projects such as designing an award for a special person to such money-makers as lettering wedding invitations or greeting cards.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (July 25, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399512578
• ISBN-13: 978-0399512575
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Margaret Shepherd is a writer, calligrapher, and teacher. In addition to The Art of the Handwritten Note, she has written thirteen books on calligraphy. Each year she speaks at MIT's 'charm school' about the importance of gracious communication. She lives in Boston.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

146 of 151 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a FUN! book., October 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Calligraphy Alphabets Made Easy (Perigee) (Paperback)

This is a highly applicable, practical, creative and very useful book that will keep many a happy calligrapher, at any level, contently scripting along. It is a book with 365 alphabets, one for each day of the year (with roughly 106 that left handers can do...hey!leftys have rights too)plus 52 projects for each week of the year. This is an affordable book at just under ten dollars, which also makes it even more tempting. Nor is it an intimidating book, in that it does not speak above ones head. Given true, it does not follow the historical end of calligraphy,that study is available for those interested. And although there are no color plates in Alphabets it wisely goes over the basics of calligraphy, the different kinds of nibs(pens),guideline sheets and how to use this book. Do not underestimate its quality; it is a well rounded, well thought out book for those studying letterform.It is fondly known as "Karen's Bible" in my classes(my tattered torn copy goes with me everywhere). Because of its usefulness, it also coincides with the concept that the greatest message in the world is useless unless able to be conveyed. Alphabets seems to handle that concept concerning letterform quite well. Margaret's book brings letterform to our dinner table and finishes it with large helpings of dessert. I highly recommend this book to anyone at any level, beginning or advanced in the study of letterform.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource, Letter by Letter, April 18, 2001

By 

Al the Pal "Al the Pal" (The Fruited Plain, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calligraphy Alphabets Made Easy (Perigee) (Paperback)

My wife took a caligraphy class and when she wanted to get a book of alphabets, we went right to Amazon, and here it is.

The book has a variety of different "fonts" and some penstroke instructions for each one. There are formal and whimsical styles, that will be appropriate for numerous different applications. She has created awards and membership certificates for several organizations using the inspiration of this book.

If you are looking for a source of new and different styles for your caligraphic projects, this is the first book you should buy. It has the greatest variety of practical alphabets that we have found.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful, October 11, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Calligraphy Alphabets Made Easy (Perigee) (Paperback)

Nicely-formatted book with a gazillion scripts. Made me get out my calligraphy pen immediately and start practicing, which is really the name-of-the-game to developing this delightful and useful skill. Knock your friends out and write in some of these beautiful hands!