Blotspens: Copperplate Pens and Holders. Streetsofsalem. A blog post by the British Library on their 15th century “Macclesfield Alphabet Book” set me off on a quest for more of these essential (and decorative) educational texts: I figured that I could assemble a sample chronological collection that would span the centuries, and I was right: this is one literary genre that never went out of style, until now, I think.
My portfolio of pages was gleaned from books produced both for learning the alphabet (primers) and learning to write, not necessarily the same thing but I make the rules! The Macclesfield text, for example, was written for professional scribes (or their prospective patrons) rather than children; centuries later the two types of texts merged a bit but still had somewhat different aims. For a better basis for comparison and evolution, I chose the letter D, my first initial. Like this: Like Loading... Renaissance calligraphy books. This week, I want to spotlight two of the Renaissance gems of the Newberry collection, both English manuscript calligraphy books.
During the Renaissance, calligraphic manuals helped their owners to master the elegant handwriting valued by humanists while also imparting moral instruction. Please note that if you click on the images to the left, a larger version will pop up (this is true of images throughout the Newberry’s new website). The first calligraphy book was written in 1592 by John Scottowe (Wing MS ZW 545 .S431). The book presents a calligraphic alphabet, each letter forming an elaborately decorated initial beginning a moral adage or other text, some in English and some in Latin, each in a different script. We use an image from this book, the letter I, at the top of our main blog page and also on our main Center for Renaissance Studies web page. Cryptogram. Example cryptogram.
A cryptogram is a type of puzzle that consists of a short piece of encrypted text. Generally the cipher used to encrypt the text is simple enough that cryptogram can be solved by hand. Frequently used are substitution ciphers where each letter is replaced by a different letter or number. To solve the puzzle, one must recover the original lettering. Though once used in more serious applications, they are now mainly printed for entertainment in newspapers and magazines. Other types of classical ciphers are sometimes used to create cryptograms. History of cryptograms[edit] Rare Books on Calligraphy and Penmanship - Listed By Title. Lessons. Script Lessons Online WA Baird’s Lessons in Engrosser’s/Engraver’s Script (Copperplate) Now Online Learn Engrosser’s script (Copperplate) from my hero in script, Willis A Baird.
These are scans of lessons from the old Business Educator magazine. There are some missing lessons but what is here is WELL worth the study effort. EL Brown’s Lessons in Engrosser’s/Engraver’s Script (Copperplate) Now Online Learn Engrosser’s script (Copperplate) from EL Brown, one of the most versatile penman who ever lived. PZ Bloser/EA Lupfer’s Lessons in Ornamental Penmanship Now Online. Sign up for FREE access to deviantART. Sign up for FREE access to deviantART. Antique Print Vintage 1800s Engraving Typography Lettering Tattoo Engrossing 7. Theory of Spencerian Penmanship. John Neal, Bookseller: Calligraphy Supplies, Pens, Ink, Calligraphy Books, Bookbinding Supplies, Bookbinding Books. The Zanerian Manual of Alphabets and Engrossing: E..A.. Lupfer: 9780883090763: Amazon.com.
The Zanerian Manual of Alphabets and Engrossing. An Instructor in Roundhand, Lettering, Engrossing, Designing, Pen and Brush Art, Etc.: Zanerian: Amazon.com. Letter Shading, from "Alphabets and Engrossin by TheDoLittle on deviantART. 2012 IAMPETH BOOK LISTS These are books recommended for ... on www.gobookee.org - free eBook download. The History of The Alphabet Aryan Alphabets V2 1169783503. Spencerian Script and Ornamental Penmanship: Early American Handwriting (Volume 1) by Michael R. Sull - 1989. Found Books: Online Bookseller - AUSTIN, TX - Alibris. Calligraphy: How to pick a “how to” book. January 27, 2009 by wolfgangcat And how to decipher it!
Of course, the best way to learn calligraphy is by attending a class or workshop by an experienced calligrapher, or by joining a local calligraphy group. Check with community centers or colleges – they might run a calligraphy class or workshop if there is enough interest. How Do I Love Thee in Spencerian script. Getting Positive about the Negative. January 19, 2009 by wolfgangcat One aspect of calligraphy that is sometimes overlooked is Negative Space.
Understanding and becoming aware of what is happening inside and around your lettering is helpful in determining problems with letter forms and overall design structure. Negative Space refers to the areas inside and around your lettering (the space inside the letters is called a “counter”). In the following example the black areas on the left is the negative space: Positive and Negative Space I know that just practicing strokes can get a little boring but they are useful to help “train the eye” to recognize the correct pen angle, negative (counter) space and letter spacing in words. Basic strokes and ruling lines can be found at the Stroking the Rules post. The Calligraphy Pen. Let’s rule some lines and practice some basic strokes!
What you need: writing surfacepen holder, nib and reservoirinkdropper or brush (to load the reservoir)graph paper, sketchbook or plain paperscrap paperrulerpencil.