Customer Reviews

Medieval Calligraphy: Its History and Technique (Lettering, Calligraphy, Typography)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

In his usual clear, comprehensive, and comprehensible style, Marc Drogin details the evolution of calligraphy from its origins to its near demise at the advent of the printing press. Not only does he provide extensive illustrations of all the hands he discusses, he also explains how and why each hand developed and eventually superseded the preceding hands, amplifying his calligraphic information with much social, political, and historical background. Along the way he presents the history of books and book production, including detailed descriptions of scriptoria and humorous tidbits of trivia, like the dreadful curse which was directed at would be book thieves. While medieval calligraphy may, upon the surface, appear to be a very dry subject, Marc Drogin's colorful and interesting style infuses it with life, making this book a valuable resource for medievalists, art historians, and calligraphers alike.--Shirley Sponholt

Marc Drogin is both a paleographer and a skilled calligrapher: this book not only provides information in-depth, but meticulously documents its information as well. This book has proven more helpful to me than several of my art history texts. I recommend it without reservation!

This is the text to introduce someone to the art of Calligraphy - if they want to do it, rather than just look at it.

Drogin provides an excellent selection of examples along with a stroke-by-stroke demonstration of every single letter.

The text is interesting and well organized to provide the same student with an appreciation for paleography. An absolute must for anyone engaged in calligraphy.

A terrific book for those who wish to develop the art of scroll writing in a truly authentic historical style. The only thing I could wish for is more colour photos, but you can find those just about anywhere. Consise information on the different fonts used, the similarities and advances as they change through time and use. Two of my scrolls can be seen at http://www.geocities.com/heartland/estates/sca.html.

Medieval Calligraphy; Its history and technique, is a comprehensive book on the whys and wherefores of Medieval Calligraphy.
It covers the development of different scripts and letterings. It gives a bit of background on each script, how it was used and when it was used. It then gives details of each letter and some variations as well as how to form the letter.
As well as the focus on calligraphy itself this book puts scripts into context. It gives individuals the tools to use the scripts to complete a project with a medieval tone and flavour. It talks about page layouts, how to alter scripts for capitals, additions of ligatures and numbers. The book also covers materials that can be used to produce a completed piece that looks very close to medieval without going to all the bother of making the inks and other items yourself- although this too is covered.
This book is fantastic for anyone with a serious interest in calligraphy in the middle ages.

This is a must-have for anyone interested in learning to write calligraphy. The author's use of grid lines to form and then perfect the letters is the greatest tip I have ever found to enable me to make perfect calligraphy every time! If you are trying to decide on just one book, make this the one you purchase! You will not regret it! I feel so strongly about this book that I have purchased two copies. The first copy 15+ years ago and a replacement just recently.

Excellent reference book on calligraphy. This book avoids the useless fluff sometimes seen in such books. Calligraphy styles (and their history) are presented in a clear, concise and useful manner. This is a great tool for learning these styles.