"Vastly rewarding and illuminating." — American Artist. Spirited history and comprehensive instruction manual covers 13 important writing styles (ca. 4th century thru 15th). Fascinating facts about Roman Rustic, Uncial, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, and eight other styles; all examples beautifully photographed. Detailed directions for duplicating medieval techniques with modern tools. 232 illustrations.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
81 of 82 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Hidden in this book for calligraphy hobbyists is a simple, concise history of manuscript (formal handwriting) from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. It explains the basics of why we write - and print - the way we do. Ever wonder why the letters of the alphabet are shaped the way they are? Or why we have capital and small letters? Or why the two are shaped differently? Or where punctuation comes from? Readers interested in language, typography, usage, European history, and mere interesting trivia would love this book if it weren't lost in the hobbyist and graphic-arts stacks.
49 of 50 people found the following review helpful
By Dew
Format:Paperback
This is both an historical and an instructional manual with information on materials, supplies, and other resources. It shows the strokes for each letter, and has many examples and covers alphabet styles that almost no one else does.
The alphabet styles covered are: Roman Rustic, Uncial, Artificial Uncial, Roman Half-Uncial, Insular Majuscule, Insular Minuscule, Luxeuil Minuscule, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, Gothic Textura Quadrata, Gothic Textura Prescisus vel sine pedibus, and Gothic Littera Bastarda.
This is a standard reference for calligraphers in the SCA (SCA is the Society for Creative Anachronism, which is a group dedicated to researching and recreating the Middle Ages in the present.)
The only thing that I feel is missing in this book-is that the pictures are not in color.
Other than that this book is Great!
The alphabet styles covered are: Roman Rustic, Uncial, Artificial Uncial, Roman Half-Uncial, Insular Majuscule, Insular Minuscule, Luxeuil Minuscule, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, Gothic Textura Quadrata, Gothic Textura Prescisus vel sine pedibus, and Gothic Littera Bastarda.
This is a standard reference for calligraphers in the SCA (SCA is the Society for Creative Anachronism, which is a group dedicated to researching and recreating the Middle Ages in the present.)
The only thing that I feel is missing in this book-is that the pictures are not in color.
Other than that this book is Great!
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
My hobby is the Middle Ages. I coordinate a scriptorium, teaching people in my local area how to do medieval style calligraphy and illumination. If a student can only afford one calligraphy book, I recommend this one! It is the best book available for those who want to work in the style of the middle ages and rennaisance. It includes a basic primer for the beginning calligrapher. More advanced artists will use the examples of the hands as a constant resource.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very nice lesson both in history and technique.
There are a lot of books offering you the first step on the wonderful world of calligraphy and lettering, but I've found in Marc Drogin's book not only an excellent source of... Read more
Published 8 days ago by Alejandro Molina
5.0 out of 5 stars
Medieval Calligraphy: History and Techniques
I like this book, and still perusing it. So far it has kept my interest. I recommend this as a part of a library on calligraphy.
Published 16 days ago by GCreamer
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is more of a how to book
This is an excellent book if you want to learn how to do it.
Easy stroke by stroke instructions.
I was more interested in the history. Read more
Easy stroke by stroke instructions.
I was more interested in the history. Read more
Published 1 month ago by GreyFox
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE reference guide.
This is the book that I go to when I need to check the background on a hand or to see what the standard ductus is.
Well written, rock solid information.
Well written, rock solid information.
Published 1 month ago by D. Parks
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential guide to Medieval Calligraphy.
This book is awesome. This book is essential to anyone with an interest in medieval calligraphy. It has a bunch of scripts, and clear instructions. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Hannah Sheldon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting Overview
I chose this book about Medieval Calligraphy for my daughter-in-law because she has an interest in the subject. Read more
Published 5 months ago by D. A. Mikaelian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Re-Revised Appreciation
As title of the review shows, I've changed my assessment three times for this book. Now that I've finished reading the whole thing I am wholly delighted with it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Don Quickoats
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST introduction to the subject
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to understand calligraphy. The description of how the various hands evolved and developed as well as the context and background... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Doc John
3.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful, but there are better books
Drogin's work is considered a standard by many hobbyist calligraphers, but David Harris' "The Art of Calligraphy" is better. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Dd Cushing
5.0 out of 5 stars
most complete/concise book on historical calligraphy out there
When I married him my husband owned two copies of this book. At the time I was a non-calligrapher and in fact had no interest at all, yet the historical narrative in this book is... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Kellie Sunday
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