september 2011 update - John Neal, Bookseller

B3352. The Macclesfield
Alphabet: A Facsimile. Introduction
by Christopher de Hamel
and Patricia Lovett. 2010. 128pp.
6.85"x9.62". Hardcover $60.00
An exquisitely beautiful facsimile
of a 15th-century English book
of sample alphabets, initials and
borders. Contains 14 different types
of alphabets, including initials with faces; foliate
alphabets; zoomorphic initials; and alphabets in
Gothic script. There are also two sets of different
types of borders. Some alphabets and borders are
in color with gold, others are in black ink only. With
full alphabets. For the period, this is an amazing
resource for ornamented initial letters.
B3333. The Lindisfarne Gospels
and the Early Medieval World
by Michelle P. Brown. 2010. 160
pp. 100 color plates. 8.5"x11.5".
Hardcover $45.00.
The text of this new book
brings together historical, archaeological,
paleographical, and
theological perspectives to explore and understand
the full significance of this magnificent illuminated
manuscript. Lavishly illustrated with full-page color
reproductions - there are 100 color plates. The text
incorporates new research on relations between the
British Isles, continental Europe and the Near East
during the early Middle Ages.
B2132. Calligraphy by Claude Mediavilla.
1996. 336 pp. 10"x13". Hardcover $150.00
An encyclopedic treatment of calligraphy: tools
and materials, the history of writing & script, the
historical hands (Roman caps, rustic, Roman cursive,
uncial, Carolingian, gothic scripts, Renaissance
writing styles – including 22 model alphabets with
ductus), the writing masters, the 20th century
calligraphic revival, and calligraphy & abstract
painting. 490 illustrations, 200 in color.
Full of color illustrations from historical sources
and from contemporary scribes. It is also full of
Mediavilla’s work, which is seldom seen in the USA.
Frank Missant, 1988.
Claude Mediavilla, 1996.
Jan Van den Velde, 1605.
John Stevens
B2982. John Stevens: Calligraphy, Design,
Lettering Art. 2010. Approx. 160pp.
8.5"x11". Hardcover $49.95.
Pre-publication price $34.95
A profusely illustrated, full-color
retrospective of John Stevens’ work with
letterforms. Includes calligraphy and lettering
– artworks, personal work, experimental
work, commissioned work – as well as
graphic work and type design. His body of
work spans paper to stone, books to walls,
handlettering to type and the digital realm.
In the text, John presents his approach
to a design or work and his thoughts on
letterforms, and continues with a discussion
on tools, teaching, design, and writing in
general. Using his body of work as example,
he makes the case that barriers between fine
arts and graphic arts are mostly irrelevant.
Special Pre-publication
Price of $34.95
Order your copy of the John Stevens book today
t o l l f r e e: 800-369-9598 v w e b : www.j o h n n e a l b o o k s.com ❧ 57