september 2011 update - John Neal, Bookseller

calligraphy
instructional
manuals
Includes how-to books, as well as source books for
alphabets. For instruction and alphabet books for Copperplate,
Spencerian, Hebrew, and Brush Lettering,
see those separate sections.
B3137. Celebration Calligraphy:
Complete Instructions and
Models for Special-Occasions
Alphabets, Borders, and Motifs
by Ruth Booth. 2008. 128pp.
8.75"x8.75". Paper $21.95.
JNB Price $19.95
This is an all-in-one manual
on cards and invitations for calligraphers. You get 12
alphabets including contemporary hands which draw
on historical models but have a modern look, as well
as italic, blackletter and copperplate. A full model alphabet
with ductus is provided for each. Ruth matches
the alphabets to the appropriate celebrations – formal
and informal. You get a myriad of ideas and examples
for layouts, borders and elements for each celebration:
birthdays, weddings, baby announcements,
graduations. There is a section of core card making
techniques and a gallery of cards. Hundreds of color
illustrations. Recommended.
B2614. Codici 1. Edited by Thomas
Ingmire. 2003. 64pp. 8.5"x11".
Paper $22.95
Ingmire is best known for his
expressive – and often non-legible –
calligraphic works. This illustrated
notebook draws primarily from
Ingmire's teaching. It presents the
assignments, support materials, the works created by
the students, as well as images and brief discussions of
his own recent works that relate to the program. Topics
include inventing new forms, lettering as drawing, the
expressive line, the shape and space of writing, the word
as image, Hans-Joachim Burgert: the calligraphic line,
and the space of writing: the Ditchling project. The
emphasis is on a visual rather than a verbal message.
B2225. Enrich Your
Calligraphy by Diana Hardy
Wilson 1996. 175pp. 7.75"x11.25".
Hardcover $29.99. JNB Price $9.95
This is not a book about letterforms
but about how to go
about creating calligraphic pieces.
Further, unlike many recent calligraphy
books, this book is generous
with the text rather than being a printed slide show
with captions. Wilson explains how to be a maker of
calligraphic work with both practical and philosophical
discussions about design, creativity and the actual
production.
B1277. Explicatio
Formarum Litterarum: The
Unfolding of Letterforms by
Rutherford Aris. 1990. 50pp, plus 23
foldout plates. 9.5"x 12.25". Paper
over boards $35.00. Sale $29.95
This book displays as graphically
as possible the development of the
forms of the Latin letters from the first to the fifteenth
century. The foldout plates contain nearly 200 black
& white reproductions of various scripts. The text
relates the development of letters to that of other arts,
making comparisons that shed light on the spirit of an
entire age; for example, between the evolution of gothic
letters and the pointed arches in gothic cathedrals.
Many other fascinating insights into medieval thought,
culture & history are included in the book.
B2830. Finding the Flow: A
Calligraphic Journey by Gina Jonas.
2006. 85pp. 8.5" x11". Spiral bound.
Paper $24.95
A new approach to calligraphy for
all levels, which acquaints the scribe
with the essential but largely unexplored
dynamics of stroke technique.
Through stroke exercises with pencil and edged pen,
you explore vital movement and sensitive touch. You
discover how shoulder, arm, fingers and pen combine
with alternating of pressure. The exercises lead to an
intimate understanding of the edged pen: a foundation
for formal alphabet study, creative alphabet design and
artistic self-expression! Begin your calligraphy practice
before starting formal alphabet study by warming up,
sensitizing, and integrating mind and body. Full of
illustrations and diagrams.
B020. Insights into Left-handed Calligraphy by
Betsy Rivers-Kennedy. 1984. 32pp. 5.5"x8.5". $9.95.
For left-handers and teachers. Covers four methods
of writing: The Right-Handed Influence, The Sideways
Approach, The Hook, & The Upside-down Method. The
best book available. Paperbound.
B028. Layout and Design for Calligraphers by Alan
Furber. 1984. 64pp. 8.5"x11". Paper $9.95 A great basic
book for calligraphers with no design background.
B1795. Teach Calligraphy? Who? Me?: An Introduction
to the Gentle Art of Calligraphy Instruction by
Betty J. Locke. 1993. 46pp. 8.5"x11". Paper $19.95
For those beginning to teach calligraphy, this book
provides lots of practical information on kinds of
classes, student needs and teaching strategies. It
doesn’t give you lesson plans, but lets you know
how to prepare them. It’s like having an experienced
teacher to answer questions, give hints, etc.
B040. Written Letters: 33 Alphabets for Calligraphers
by Jacqueline Svaren. 1986. 75pp. 10"x11". Paper
$19.95
Covers 33 alphabets with exemplars, ductus, and
letter by letter hints on shape and construction. All
presented in a beautiful format in red and black. One of
our most popular books. Highly recommended.
DVD29. Italic with a Flourish
by Margaret Daubney. 52 minutes.
DVD $32.50
Using clear demonstrations,
explains the features of a formal
italic hand, guides you through
the letterforms and shows you
how to develop and use your
skills. Includes plenty of technical
advice. Daubney was a tutor at Roehampton.
e m a i l: info@johnnealbooks.com v www.j o h n n e a l b o o k s.com 25 ❧