April 1, 2016
Veteran calligrapher Detrick provides a basic introduction to italic lettering in this attractive beginners' guide to calligraphy. Starting with basic skills, including proper ways to hold and position a broad-edge fountain pen, basic strokes, and proportions, the author moves through the lowercase alphabet, grouping letters with like forms. Each of the letter groupings includes a two-page spread with written instruction and a description of the letter formation on the left-hand page, and large, clearly rendered italic letters with guidelines for the order of pen strokes on the right-hand page. The capital italic alphabet is presented in the same manner, followed by coordinating numerals and a brief overview of flourishes. A few small projects for novice calligraphers to practice their skills include a notecard, a wedding invitation, and a menu and place cards for a formal dinner. Two additional alphabets, Uncial and Fraktur, are shown, but there are no guidelines on how to create the letterforms. VERDICT Detrick's knowledge is extensive, but this guide barely scratches the surface of the topic. Some may find the focus on basic italic lettering refreshing; others may prefer a more comprehensive volume, such as Gaye Godfrey-Nicholls's Mastering Calligraphy.
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