Medieval Calligraphy: Its History and Technique (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Spirited history, comprehensive instruction manual covers 13 important writing styles (ca. 4th century thru 15th). Fascinating facts about Roman Rustic, Uncial, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, eight other styles; all examples beautifully photographed. Detailed directions for duplicating medieval techniques with modern tools. 232 illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (November 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486261425
• ISBN-13: 978-0486261423
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,046 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Medieval
  #6 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Instructional & How-To > Calligraphy
  #7 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Graphic Design > Calligraphy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for Calligraphers Only, March 14, 2000

By	S. Robertson "steve44" (Tucson, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews

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.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical/Instructional Manual , January 2, 2005

By	Dew - See all my reviews

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!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST resource for modern medieval calligraphers, December 23, 1997

By A Customer

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.