The Complete Guide to Calligraphy, Professor Ralph Cleminson, General editor, hardback, spiral bound, published by Cico Books. ISBN, 978-1-9049-9142-7, price 19.99 from www.cicobooks.co.uk
Subtitled ‘Master Scripts of the West and East, Step by Step with 45 Projects’, this is a major book on calligraphy. Not only does it include the usual scripts, but so much more. I have been interested in calligraphy for almost forty years, although I rarely practice it. For me, this book is very worthwhile as it includes Arabic, Japanese and other scripts that I have not come across elsewhere. It also includes double-pencil and pictograph scripts.
This book also includes a history of calligraphy and a handy glossary. It is beautifully laid out with foundation skills and tips and techniques for you to master the art. The alphabets are clear and easy to follow. The projects are numerous, so you should find something of interest. They are accompanied by detailed photos. Use the alphabets and your own imagination to create personal invitations and greetings cards and more. This book works in two ways – as a complete introduction to calligraphy and also as an expansion for your practitioners of the craft.