Calligraphy school (Learn as You Go) [Hardcover]

Anna Ravenscroft (Author)

Book Description

Series: Learn as You Go | Publication Date: May 1, 1994

A complete practical course for beginners-a step-by-step guide to the fine art of lettering. Throughout the book, structured exercises and practical step-by-step demonstra-tions help you put your new skills into action. 8 projects.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Fine penmanship may no longer be a required subject in school, but in other ways, it is experiencing a revival. Two English artists explore all the how-to's of calligraphy, from selecting appropriate materials to sewing a manuscript cover. Samples abound, as does, unfortunately, a rather crowded layout, making it difficult to follow their very clear instructions. Nonetheless, the progression from working simple letterforms to mastering cursive (or flowing) italic and versals (elaborately penned capital letters) is well thought out, enabling beginners to feel a sense of accomplishment at every step. Barbara Jacobs

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Readers Digest (May 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895775247
• ISBN-13: 978-0895775245
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,246 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to Learn Calligraphy, April 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Calligraphy school (Learn as You Go) (Hardcover)

I just sent out 200 elegant wedding invitations all done in Calligraphy that i learned from "Calligraphy School" in the last two months. i had never picked up a calligraphy pen and could not find any local classes so i bought this book to give it a try but was certain i would probably be hiring someone to do the calligraphy on my wedding invitations.

The book is interesting, easy to follow, has great instructions, modern colored pages, and a great font selection but not too overwhelming. i have the worst handwriting in the world and this book was able to teach me the basics in calligraphy. Worth every Penny and more.

suggestion to beginners - start with the thicker felt tip calligraphy pens till you master the letter flows and than change to the calligraphy cartridge pens (Scheaffer has been the best).

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excels in step-by-step instructions, July 20, 2000

By 

Jonathan Ellis (Provo, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Calligraphy school (Learn as You Go) (Hardcover)

A very detailed introduction to calligraphy aimed at people who have NO prior experience. Pens, paper, ink are all covered in an unintimidating fashion. In tutorial fashion, the authors move from basic letter forms all the way to illuminating with gold leaf. Thorougly illustrated.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, April 7, 2002

By 

J. Kelley "francophile" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Calligraphy school (Learn as You Go) (Hardcover)

"Calligraphy School" is everything I was hoping it would be when I ordered it. Beautifully written, informative, gorgeous lay-out, very inspiring. I brought it to my calligraphy class to show the instructor and the other students, and they were as impressed as I. The book takes the student from Roman Serifs to the Lindesfarne Gospels and carolingian minuscules through to the Renaissance and some of the modern italic hands-- very comprehensive. Besides just the letterforms of virtually all the important alphabets throughout history, the authors also address the basics (and beyond) of applying a watercolor wash, interpreting text though color and design, even working with metallic leaf and illuminated letterforms! Pages and pages featuring the work of the most talented calligraphers. An absolutely beautiful book and very inspiring, as I said before, but it bears repeating.