Customer Reviews

Written Letters: 33 Alphabets for Calligraphers

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I highly recommed this book to all my students, for several reasons. First, an amazing fact is that most "how-to" calligraphy books are written by bad calligraphers. Jacqueline Svaren has a good, crisp, well-practiced hand that is worth immitating. Second, the entire book is hand written in calligraphy by her and is reproduced actual size with no corrections, so you can see real-life problems and solutions (yes, there are a few cross-outs!) - this isn't retouched perfection. Third, with every letter there are wonderfully helpful notes, explaining complex shapes or warning of common problems. Finally, the book weaves in a good deal of calligraphy history, which helps the student gain a better understanding of how the forms developed. Highly recommended.

As a high school student this was an essential book. It is a compilation of different alphabets and includes precise instruction on the construction of individual letters. It was the fundamental basis for my calligraphy classes. 5 years later, as a professional calligrapher I refer back from time to time to learn a new alphabet suited for the job at hand. It is amazing how much someone (amateur or professional) can learn from this book.

I must say, the alphabets are `standard' and do not include personal technique. It is imperative to learn the basic and standard structure of an alphabet before you add individual style (which this book allows); once you have mastered the fundamentals of that alphabet then you can add your personal touches. I have many other books which include calligraphic fonts but this is the most critical one I own. I bring this very book with me to a client to pick out an alphabet and it is the one I use to teach my students.
I cannot express in words how great it is!

Ms. Svaren provides the intermediate calligrapher with sound and solid instruction to further broaden their repertoire of calligraphic "hands". The book is easy to use, (it folds back all the way because of the spiral binding) and the actual instruction for stroke sequences are very clear. I've used this book in teaching classes

This attractive, information-packed book inspired me at a time when I was ready to drop calligraphy. It focuses on increasing the intermediate calligrapher's repertoire of alphabets, rather than on introductory material. The variety of beautifully lettered alphabets provide inspiration for many projects. I highly recommend it.

this is one of the books i learned out of. it's packed with great info, and everything. sometimes its hard to find it in the calligraphic layout, and some of the alphabets lack important info like nib angle. but despite its faults it's still exceedingly useful.

By far, the best book on the market for self-learning calligraphy. 33 alphabets with step-by-step instruction for write each and every letter, as well as historical perspectives and helpful hints. This is the only book you'll need.

This is an excellent book, however, it is NOT spiral bound as noted in the previous review. It is a large-scale paperback book in two colors, black and red. Fabulous examples with lots of notes on how to form individual letters.

I received this item in good time and in the condition that was advertiseed by the seller.

I had moved from Alaska back to Washington State over 2 years ago. I hadn't found my Book Written Letters. I searched the internet and finally found a copy through Amazon .. I was so excited I can't even tell you...! I got my used copy and it was in great shape. For all you Calligraphers out there you have to have this book. It is truly work of art.

What more can I say: THE BEST OF THE BEST!