A comprehensive book that even though it was published in 1995 doesn't seem out of date at all. Covers a very wide range of styles and gives instructional ways of replicating the calligraphy. Also covers a good if brief history of each of the styles and writing in general. ( )

An excellent guide to the art of calligraphy, . The reviewers note on the book flap“ a comprehensive guide explaining everything you need to know to master the skills and techniques" It is that and more. Tjis beautiful writing and art form is shown in large high glossy pictures and graphic demonstrations of the art. it is a photographic survey book that has over 20 pages on demonstrating the several different types of calligraphy. A beautiful picture of a historocial piece of calligraphy art as it goes through the history of the art form. Our alphabet began in Phoenicia and developed through ancient history to the present day art form There are several types of scripts that the artist can learn roman, Insular, National Caroline Early Gothic Italian Humanist and Post Renaissance. The Western Latin Alphabet has developed over 20000 years . The 1st alphabet came through Phoenicia through the Greeks to the romans. Art western scripts has evolved from the romans. After Rome fell Insular script came from Irish script. National scripts developed from Visigoth in Spain and Merovingian and France. The Caroline miniscule developed during the Frankish Empire which began with Charlemagne’s rule. This script was created by Alcium of York which is now known as Caroline miniscule. By then end of the 12th century of gothic scripts was formed The gothic scripts were of 2 hands
The deluxe gothic used in religious books and the bastard scripts which were cursive scripts used for government documents
Bastard scripts changed from town to town and country to country
You can differentiate the bastard script nationally there is an English Bastard script A French, a Spanish because each Cursive Script has a national flavor.
Italian script from the 1400s is known as Rotunda script, because they are much rounder and open lettering. This is the only one that I can imitate. As a left-handed person, my brain cannot get my left hand to do beautiful cursive. I love it though, and perhaps that is why I do because it is very challenging for me.
As printing was developed the Caroline script was refined into the script known as copperplate and remains the preeminent lettering form from Europe. Copperplate was begun as etching in copper. Typified by delicately joined loops it became easy to be handwritten and by the 19th century it is the script of business and education
At the beginning of the 20th century Edward Johnston of England revived calligraphy. He developed his calligraphy style from a manuscript he found in 966 The Ramsey Psalter. There are several art forms of this script. There is textura Prescisus letters which are similar to the Quadrata letters – the adjunct to the Prescisus name is “vel sine pedibus” which translates with which translates with:” its feet cut off” which means “no triangles or diamond shapes” at the bottom of the lettering.
A versal is a single initial letter drawn larger than the text script used to signify a paragraph opening.
Cadel is a style of versal that is ornate and beautiful – when you think of Calligraphy art, you think of a Cadel versal - The Queen’s Progress is an Alphabet created with many lovely Cadel versals / I have previously shared The Queen’ Progress on this site.
Italic script was developed by Niccolo Niccoli in 1440 from the humanist script and was adopted as the Official Hand of the Papal Chancery
Copperplate was created from an instructional manual printed in 1574 for Italic script. This was engraved on copper with an italic tool called a burin. The principal innovation of copperplate, is that for
first time all letters were linked. Copperplate is the inspiration for 20th century cursive taught in schools. I highly recommend this as a book that all calligraphy artists should have in their library. ( )

One of the better all around calligraphy books I've owned. ( )

This is not as historically informed as some of the other popular calligraphy books, but to me, it has been the most useful. It has a nice selection of scripts from a wide range of periods (my main complaint with Drogin is that he stops right before things get interesting). The ductuses (ductii?) are clear, and Harris gives tips about techniques and tools that are really useful. My one complaint is that his instructions for cutting a quill must leave out a crucial step or two - I've never been successful in trying to follow his instructions. ( )