The Complete Book of Calligraphy & Lettering

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of The Complete Book of Calligraphy & Lettering: A comprehensive guide to more than 100 traditional calligraphy and hand-lettering techniques. The book begins with a short overview of calligraphy, and then is split into three main parts; Traditional Calligraphy, Modern Hand Lettering and Creative Lettering Projects.

The first part, Traditional Calligraphy, has five chapters, and is fantastic. Chapter 1 deals with the tools and materials needed, how to set up a work area, how to get started and then moves on to the parts of the letters and how to prepare the paper correctly. Chapter 2 discusses the various basic calligraphy styles, while chapter 3 shows a variety of traditional alphabets. Chapter 4 is all about illuminated calligraphy, both the supplies needed and techniques used, and even has information on colour theory. Chapter 5 deals with contemporary calligraphy and highlights the different fundamentals and techniques used in more modern lettering.

Part 2, Modern Hand Lettering, is split into the following three chapters; Flourishes and Embellishments, Illustrated by Hand, and Chalk Lettering.

Part 3, Creative Lettering Projects, is by far the shortest part of the book and contains three different projects to tackle. Starting with making personalised journal covers, moving on to making quotable art, and finally an idea for calligraphied place settings.

The first part of the book is tremendous, and easily my favourite part. With so much good information for beginners, I think the book is worth buying for the first five chapters alone. The second part is also interesting and has lots of helpful information, but I didn't think the projects in the third part lived up to the rest of the book. However, my lack of enthusiasm for the projects didn't detract from the rest of the book which is very good. I will be adding this one to my shelf.