Customer Reviews

Calligraphy Alphabets Made Easy (Perigee)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I'm trying to teach myself this beautiful art. This book is certainly not for the beginner. The concept of a new alphabet each week and weekly projects is a great one, however there isn't enough instruction on materials or form to make it very helpful to those of us new to this art. I'll keep it for reference but must continue my search for a great teaching tool.

Margaret Shepherd has written a gem for the new calligrapher. This is the book that I learned the most from. Anyone will enjoy and learn by following her fun and educational suggestion to invent alphabets. Loved It! Thank you Margaret Shepherd!

I was given 3 books on Calligraphy, as a Christmas present from my daughter, and this book is at the bottom of the list.

It does contain many different fonts, and the idea of having a practice lesson every week for a year is a novel idea indeed. However, I found this book disorganized, and try to do the lessons with one arm trying to hold the book flat.

I found the layout really confusing. Also if you are a beginner I would say this is not for you. It doesn't contain much "instruction." I would suggest "The Calligrapher's Bible" instead.

I know generally how to do calligraphy, and I've done the calligraphy for my friend's wedding invitations (and other occasions). I bought this book hoping to find new ways of making calligraphy letters. I was disappointed. The book shows different types of fonts (many of them not calligraphy fonts). When it does show a calligraphy type of font, it does not show a complete set of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, or numbers for each of these fonts. Also, the book doesn't provide enough guidance on how to make individual letters for someone that is not familiar with calligraphy. I have spent a lot of time looking for a good book to suit my purposes. If you want more detailed descriptions of how to make individual letters, I would totally recommend "The Calligrapher's Bible" by David Harris.

Margaret Shepherd's various alphabets make me wonder if she perceives "calligraphy" the same way most of us do. Some of the alphabets aren't even attractive to look at. She's more artsy than traditional. I guess there is probably something to glean from this book, but it just wasn't for me. If you're a beginner, get <u>First Steps Calligraphy</u> by Don Marsh instead.

I had this book years ago and lent it to someone who did not return it and just recently got another via Amazon. I was so happy it was still in print, I missed this book.
This book is not for a beginner but don't despair the author has a beginner book that is excellent "Calligraphy Made Easy".
If you are looking for the next step up from beginner this is the book to own.