Calligraphy Now : New Light on Traditional Letters

Newton Abbot, UK: David & Charles. Very Good/Very Good. 1985. Hard Cover. 4to 0715387545 Dust jacket complete in a clear protective sleeve. Black cloth with bright gilt titling on spine. No ownership inscription. Colour & B/W Illustrations. 191 pages clean and tight. In this unique book, working with simple alphabet styles and readily available materials, Margaret Shepherd integrates modern calligraphy into the lettering traditions of the past, the arts of today, and the visual concepts of tomorrow. Here both the experienced calligrapher wondering what to try next and the beginner wondering where to start first will find clear and exciting information about the most avant-garde aspects of calligraphy today. Readers familiar with Margaret Shepherd's six other books on calligraphy will feel comfortable with Calligraphy Now. As always, beginner as well as calligraphic expert can profit from her insights. In each chapter she offers the reader a brief historical and theoretical discussion, comparisons of historical examples with those that are contemporary, specially drawn calligraphy to illustrate specific points, a simple instructive narrative, lucid drawings to show technique, clear alphabet models to copy, specific projects to which lettering styles can be applied, and a list of readily available, inexpensive materials. By reading her analyses and following her suggestions, the reader not only will understand contemporary letters clearly, but will learn to write them beautifully. Jacket design by Mike Stromberg. Calligraphy by Margaret Shepherd. .