Calligraphy: A Course in Hand Lettering

I was new to calligraphy when I purchased this book. I was interested and wanted to gain a little knowledge and to be given an introduction to calligraphy without frustration. This is a workbook that provides a wealth of knowledge and inspires the artist to work at calligraphy. The history behind calligraphy and the different styles are brought to light. Documents are provided as examples and the author includes her own pieces of work. The work is gorgeous and inspirational. Tips for how to begin, how to hold the pen, types of ink and paper, practice, clear instructions and advice, and much more are given. This book is a steal! I will look into more documents by the author of this informative and practical workbook. So much work, effort, and thought went into making this a very practical resource.

This book has several styles of calligraphy and really goes into detail about how to create the letters. It also gives good advice about what types of paper to use as well as what pens a person will need. I also liked the section about creating a layout for a calligraphy project. With many illustrations and tips, I am eager to get started. I really like the removable transparent guide sheets at the end of the book. They create an excellent way to practice each style. The spiral binding allows a person to actually practice the strokes by placing a piece of paper over them. This is a great book for beginners!!!!!

Clearly demonstrates the strokes and provides practice sheets for 2mm nibs. This is a great resource for the included styles. There is some discrepancy between the uncial slant between this book and Drogin's Medieval Calligraphy.

As someone who is a rank amateur this book is everything I wanted in order to learn which equipment to consider and how to use it. The historical illustrations are beautiful and colorful as well as educational. There are practical worksheets and removable reusable guide sheets. The techniques taught range from basic to advanced. This book alone can take me a long way and entertain me for a long time. The size is just big enough without being awkward to handle, and the spiral binding is so practical and nicely designed with the outside spine having a hard cover.

I wanted to get a book which teaches you calligraphy, step by step. This book was more a read about it, not so much practical advice. I sent it back. Was not what I was looking for.

Of the many books for beginning and intermediate calligraphers, this is simply the best. Grebenstein is obviously a talented calligrapher and a good teacher. Moreover, she has a solid scholarly knowledge of the history of writing and the rare skill to render complex historical and technical subjects briefly and clearly. The core of the book is her instruction in the five basic hands, italic, uncial, Carolingian, gothic and foundational. She presents each in a similar manner that is easy to understand and learn. The intelligent, thoughtful page arrangement and spiral binding add much to the books practical value for those who want to learn, rather than just read about, calligraphy.

A fantastic book for the beginner wanting to learn the art of calligraphy! It's been awhile since I've done calligraphy and bought this because of the templates in the back. When I received it I was very impressed. The author explains all the different types of calligraphy and what you will need as a beginner....if you would like to get more involved, she does list other materials needed. I like the option of being able to lay the book on a shelf and the use of the spiral binder! It's surprising how that little thing is such a big help! Well worth the money!

My son likes this book once it was pointed out that it teaches technique. He wanted something that went to showing a lot of different, really fancy writing. This book does not go so much into variety, but is good for a beginner to grasp a concept of technique that helps them move on to other things.

The book is easy to use and follow. Full of pictures that make the contents interesting. Highly recommended!

As someone with a new interest, and time to invest, in calligraphy, I've enjoyed this book. Simple to understand, yet inspires creativity and learning more.

This book was better than anticipated. Arrived in pristine condition. Very happy,