Product Description
A comprehensive instructional course in calligraphy from beginner to advanced levels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic book!!
this book covers a good amount of everything! If you can only get one book then this is the one. I am just learning and this is about the 10th book i have bought. i wish it was the first one. it covers what all the others do combined. it has a bit of everything for everyone.

How to step by step and it goes much further into all aspects of it. Great selection of projects and fantastic eye candy for motivation. Great first choice!! ... Read more

Product Description
The traditional ornamental art of "flourishing." Complete instructions and examples help you create your own magnificent swirls, delicately shaded curves, harmoniously crisscrossing lines, from which birds, rabbits, deer, ribbons and other objects gracefully emerge. Over 150 copyright-free illustrations may also be applied to a multitude of graphic-arts and design purposes. Preface. Instructions.
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Customer Reviews (1)

I you like birds...
This book instructs very little, and most of the examples are birds, birds and more birds. Well, I'm no ornithologyst and I know that this book could have diversified more on the examples session. Buy this only if you have a thing for drawing birds. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first comprehensive guide to the ancient art of Hebrew lettering. The book offers amateurs, artists, & beginners of all ages everything they need to know to make beautiful Hebrew script.You will find:? Tools & materials needed? Different properties of various pens & inks? The theory of angles & proportion? Portfolio of beautifully hand lettered plates to guide you? Suggestions for the choice of a text, script, layout, & deignsContents: (major headings only)Part I: Preliminaries & preparation1. What you need2. Preparing yourself for calligraphy3. Theory & practicePart II: The plates? Introduction to the plates? The YOD group? The slanted VAV group? The squared off letter or wedge group? The truncated RESH group? The rounded letter group? The anomalous letter group? Additional platesPart III: Developing an illuminated manuscript1. After the plates2. The manuscript3. Illuminating the manuscriptPart IV: The art of the SoferThere are illustrations throughout the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Brilliant start to learning calligraphy!!!!
This book teaches you a basic form of hebrew calligraphy, and then shows you different types of fonts. It also teaches you how to hold the pen, how to draw lines in angles and degrees, and how to erase mistakes.
This book is very helpful, and perfect for a beginner. A********

Good introduction to hebrew calligraphy
There are many books on roman script calligraphy, but this is one of only a handful on hebrew calligraphy.No prior knowledge of general calligraphy or the hebrew alphabet is assumed.Detailed instruction on forming the standard hebrew square script is provided, along with a short annotated bibliography of additional scripts and medieval examplars.This book is a fine introduction for beginning hobbyists and is available at reasonable prices.More serious hobbyists and aspiring professionals will be better serves by seeking out the much more rare and expensive book by Cara Goldberg Marks called 'Handbook of Hebrew Calligraphy.' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good start
Good basic primer covering how to hold the pen to write two basic letter forms.Includes good illustrations and reproducible practice pages.Very helpful for a beginner.

As easy as it claims
This book is great with its workbook format.It really did make it easy to learn the style of calligraphy it teaches.Its format makes it so simple that all you need is a calligraphy marker or pen.The rest is all in the book, from how to instructions, to tracing pages, to practicing, and to decorative projects.I really enjoyed it and also gave a copy to a 10 year old who equally enjoyed it.

Content needs updating...
I have this workbook and I feel that the content needs to be updated.I photocopy the exercise pages and others but I would prefer a different workbook for Calligraphers.I don't use carpenters pencils...but my Sheafer Fountain Callgraphy pen broad nib works with this book.I think for whatI paid for it that I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere.

Amateur!
I am so tired of seeing calligraphy "how-to" books put out by folks who don't really have the background and knowledge, but I guess it makes them money. I wish the author would take the time to truly learn good calligraphy letterforms before passing hers on to the unsuspecting public.

YIKES!
Not the greatest letterforms for beginners to be looking at... don't usethis... please! ... Read more

Product Description
This great little art activity package for kids, shows them the basics of calligraphic lettering. The hardcover, spiral-bound book features a slide-out box in its sturdy spine—and the box contains a special calligraphy pen with two nibs of different widths forpractice in writing different styles of the alphabet. Fun-to-do exercises begin with correct ways to hold and angle a pen, then follow with instructions in practicing letter shapes and strokes, making Italic and round-hand letters, and aligning letters in a symmetrical layout. Finally, the book suggests fun calligraphy projects, including making stencils, decorating tee shirts, and designing Valentines and party invitations. Here’s the gateway to an enlightening activity that’ssure to give boys and girls many hours of creative enjoyment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Look forward to see if it is as fun as it looks!
We are very excited to see if our kids have as much fun using this kit as looks like :)

just ok
This was not what I thought it would be.It's more of a book for a child to use. It might be helpful as a reference tool but it was not quite what I expected it to be.

Book written well for children- but PEN was dried out!
Santa left this for our 10 yr old. The instructional book is right-on for her beginner level and ability.Of course, the disappointment was the felt tip pen included in the pack was completely dried out. Moistening the tip w/ water didn't help. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Very Good Introduction
The book is a very good introduction to Celtic calligraphy, providing a brief history, materials to use and basic descriptions of the variations of this hand and their uses.Well done illustrations for setting up a workspace and making the basic letter forms. ... Read more

Product Description
A wonderfully unique and entertaining book! This extensive collection of true Arabic Names is now available from Syrian-born author Bachir Bserani. In this exciting book, Bachir Bserani supplies more than just a mere listing of Arabic words, he goes beyond by providing an extensive collection of true and appropriate Arabic Names suitable not only for Arabian jorses , but also for your precious Pets that you want to give a beautiful, meaningful and unique name. The Arabic Names are written in both the masculine and feminine form in Romanized Arabic as well as handwritten Arabic calligraphy. Additionally, beside each name is the English meaning as well as the phonetic pronunciation. While the second half of the book is the Arabic-English, and English-Arabic dictionary with meanings and translations, the first half of the book includes chapters on the author's background, along with a history of Arabian horses. There are also charming Arabian horse stories written from an authentic Middle Eastern perspective that express pure love and praise for these beautiful creatures through Bserani's natural story telling ability. The stories tug at your heart strings bringing both laughter and tears. Filled with breathtaking, full-color photographs throughout. This is a fantastic one-of-a-kind publication! Educational and entertaining for adults as well as young adults and children. Highly attractive and good quality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wonderful
This book was just what I was looking for! I am getting a Saluki puppy and I wanted an authentic Arabic name, I definatley found the right one :)

authentic arabian horse names
This is simply a wonderful book! One can almost feel they are there, with
the stories and the history. Beautifully written and appointed, it was
a great help to me, I found the perfect name for my new foal. I couldn't
be happier, this copy was actually a gift for a friend because I liked
my first copy so much.

More than Just Names
This book is one of my favorite Arabian books.It has so much more to it than just authentic Arabian names, it is rich with the stories that are in it too.Really gives the reader some insight into the culture of the Arabian horse.This book will remain a staple in my breeding program.I would love to see some other books by this author too.

Simply a wonderful book!
I just received my copy of Authentic Arabian Horse Names and I couldn't put it down.Congratulations!It is a book that is long overdue in the Arabian horse community.I have experienced the poor naming choices that plague the Arabian horse here in the United States.Now owners and breeders will be able to name their horses properly with confidence.

I was struck by the wonderful stories about life in the desert with the Arabian horse.I teared up as I read about Abou Mahmood and his beloved Rheemah.The stories give us readers a greater understanding of why the Bedouin people hold the Arabian in such a high status. ... Read more

Product Description
Painting and calligraphy flourished in Lahore during the Mughal period, and later under British rule. New research on these arts has been presented in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This expertly presented new book covers all the necessary aspects of the art of beautiful writing: setting out the essential tools needed to begin, teaching all the basic strokes to form letters, and providing a rich variety of alphabet templates from which to work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Best Calligraphy Teaching Book
My mother bought this book and now I have to have a copy for myself.I have other calligraphy books, but this one definitely tops them all in the way it teaches and the amount of information covered, along with a multitude of styles, uses, approaches, etc.It is a large, oversized, heavy book that is absolutely packed with valuable lessons and ideas.I am ordering my own copy and it will most likely be the last calligraphy book that I will need.Great photographs and illustrations throughout that make things more easy to understand and do. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great illustrations
I bought this book because of the great illustrations showing the progression of chinese characters from their original rounded graphic shape to their modern straight edged form.
Please see my other list. Portugal/Slovakia

Essential book for learning Characters
This book does a great job introducing the 214 radicals showing their evolution from pictographs to the present day characters. It shows stroke order, gives a short description of the character placing in a cultural context and then shows it in a nice 9-section grid allowing you to practice it at home.

This book won't teach you Chinese but it will be a valuable addition to any course of study and provides a good grounding as part of your Chinese studies. Once your Chinese progresses you can begin to learn different styles of calligraphy and elevate your technique to a new level, but as they say "a journey of a thousand li starts with one step".

The most important thing when learning Chinese is practice, practice, practice. If you write every character in this book 100 times you'll have begun to build a foundation that will serve you well.

Radicals in a different and good way !
I was expecting another 1,2,3...214 radical list. But the author have a more interesting approach: the book is really about radicals - the title "calligraphy" should not be used, as so for the "chinese and japanese". But that is just my oppinion. It is a first rate book as for binding, text and illustrations, and the subject it deals with: radicals. Besides, it has one explanation very well described and with stories, jokes, about the radicals, that make this book a must to relax and enjoy each of them. Personally I feel I will read it until the last
word and...start again. I really like the way the author describes not only the story of the character, but also its applications. I just did not give five stars because I could not see it in the " search inside" and know that the
examples of phrases are in Simplified characters, for I study in Traditional ones.As for the "calligraphy" it does not show you any beautiful cursive that the chinese use as pictures in their walls. But I guess the way it is presented is more didatic. It is clear and ease to understand. Maybe this is the reason it is so...but I still would not use the "caligraphy" in the title.But,I repeat,I loved the book. It is really good to read and to learn. Great !

Best Chinese Book of 2006
Beautiful written characters combined with excelent text and funny image.
Good for both students and teachers !

Exquisite Chinese Characters
Each and every Chinese character has a form of its own, representing a particular meaning and/or sound.This book is a good introduction to Chinese characters.An exquisite Chinese character, like thousand words, tells its own story and evolution.Through understanding these key characters, sometimes called radicals, one can discover the beauty of Chinese culture as well as civilization.(...) ... Read more

Product Description
Focusing on three elements of calligraphic design - visual balance, contract of elements, and dominance of one element to allow the eye a place to enter the design - this book provides ideas for calligraphic layout and design. ... Read more

Product Description
Throughout the East, writing is held to be a gift from the gods, and the divinely inspired letters and characters are objects of the highest veneration. The religious significance of calligraphy has thus led to a unique development of the art of brush and ink in Japan, China, India, and Tibet. This beautifully illustrated book covers such topics as the history and spirit of Eastern calligraphy, the art of copying religious texts, the biographies of important Zen calligraphers, and practical instructions on materials and techniques for the contemporary student. No knowledge of the languages discussed is required for the reader to appreciate the study of this ancient practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

brilliant survey of calligraphic history
What I like best about the book is the way in which it traces the historical development of calligraphy. The author's Japan bias matches my own (I got into calligraphy in Japan) and so I didn't particularly mind the heavy Japan slant. What I found frustrating was the lack of a pronunciation guide, especially for the Sanskrit. Given the diacritics in use, I would have liked to have known how to pronounce the dotted consonants, etc. It would be nice to learn more about Khmer and Thai calligraphy also, but I turn to other books...

a wonderful tour of Oriental calligraphy
Sacred Calligraphy of the East takes you through the scripts used in thesacred writings of religions and nations of East Asia. If the book wouldhave just been a wide collection of calligraphic examples, this would havebeen a good enough reason to get the book. But the book is more than this:It actually teaches you to draw these characters. It's a wonderful book.

An excellent reference to sacred oriental calligraphy
Two years ago, at a Zen retreat, I needed something to relax my mind.The priest who headed the retreat had, at his house, an assortment of books from which to choose.I didn't want something cerebral.I fingered hislibrary and came upon John Steven's "Sacred Calligraphy of theEast."It was perfect!It offered pictures from which I was able torelax and study the historical progress of Eastern calligraphic forms. Since then, I have bought the book for myself and I continually refer to itwhen in need.That may seem rather odd: I don't really know why the bookrelaxes me and gives me solice, but I am quite grateful to John Stevens forhis contribution to the art and to my life.

Excellent compilation of techniques and images
Honestly I bought the book out of pure intuition. I didn't know what to expect except for a very interesting index. It was a wonderful surprise. Leading a meditation workshop based on western calligraphy technique, I had a keen personal interest on reading this book. Extraordinary in its coverage of background, theory, examples and exercises, it sure is an excellent addition to any artist or person interested in finding a creative and trascendental outlet for his creativity. Although a little technical knowledge goes a long way here, it is also easy for beginners to start. Recommended whole-heartedly. ... Read more

Product Description

'Sheila S. Blair is a seasoned author with an excellent track record in publishing both specialised and general books on Islamic art. Indeed she is an undisputed star in her field.' - Professor Robert Hillenbrand, University of Edinburgh

'I can think of no one more qualified to produce such a volumeÂ… She is a recognised and highly-regarded expert in the field..' - Professor W. M. Thackston, Harvard University

This stunning book is an important contribution to a key area of non-western art, being the first reference work on art of beautiful writing in Arabic script.

The extensive use of writing is a hallmark of Islamic civilization. Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, became one of the main methods of artistic expression from the seventh century to the present in almost all regions from the far Maghrib, or Islamic West, to India and beyond. Arabic script was adopted for other languages from Persian and Turkish to Kanembu and Malay.Sheila Blair's groundbreaking book explains this art form to modern readers and shows them how to identify, understand and appreciate its varied styles and modes. The book is designed to offer a standardized terminology for identifying and describing various styles of Islamic calligraphy, and to help Westerners appreciate why calligraphy has long been so important in Islamic civilization.

The argument is enhanced by the inclusion of more than 150 colour illustrations, as well as over 100 black-and-white details that highlight the salient features of the individual scripts and hands. Examples are chosen from dated or datable examples with secure provenance, for the problem of forgeries and copies (both medieval and modern) is rampant. The illustrations are accompanied by detailed analyses telling the reader what to look for in determining both style and quality of script.

This beautiful book is an ideal reference for anyone with an interest in Islamic art.

Winner of the British-Kuwait Friendship Society Prize 2007.

Customer Reviews (2)

contents of this book
Table of Contents

PART I: INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1: Arabic Script: Its Role and Principles
A. The importance of writing in Islamic culture
B. Principles of Arabic script
C. The Koranic Text

Chapter 2: Materials
A. Supports
B. Special papers
C. Pens and pen cases
D. Inks and inkwells

PART II: THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARABIC SCRIPT IN EARLY ISLAMIC TIMES

Chapter 3: The Standardization of Arabic Script
A. The origins of Arabic script
B. The development of Arabic script
C. The evolution of a calligraphic style

Chapter 4: Early Manuscripts of the Koran
A. Physical characteristics
B. Methodologies for dating
C. Considerations for further study

PART III: THE PREEMINENCE OF ROUND SCRIPTS IN THE EARLY MIDDLE PERIOD

Chapter 5: The Adoption of Round Styles
A. Round book script
B. The new style of broken cursive
C. Broken cursive and Ibn Muqla
D. The standardization of naskh and thuluth under Ibn al-Bawwab
E. What caused the canonization of round scripts in the ninth century?

Chapter 6: The Diversification of Round Scripts
A. The stylization of broken cursive
B. Other round scripts
C. Towards a codification of round scripts
D. Pairs of text scripts
E. Maghribi script

PART IV: THE EMERGENCE OF REGIONAL STYLES IN THE LATER MIDDLE PERIOD

Chapter 7: Calligrpahy in Iran and its Environs under the Mongols and Turkomans
A. The Six Pens under the Ilkhanids and Jalayirids
B. The Six Pens under the Timurids and Turkomans
C. The Hanging Scripts

Chapter 8: Rectilinear and Curvilinear Scripts in Egypt and Syria under the Mamluks
A. Rectilinear scripts
B. Curvilinear scripts
C. Hybrid scripts

Chapter 9: Other Styles and Centers
A. Anatolia
B. India
C. The Maghrib

PART V: DYNASTIC STYLES IN THE AGE OF EMPIRES

Chapter 10: The Safavids, the Qajars, and their Contemporaries in Iran and Central Asia
A. Refinement of the Six Pens
B. Refinement of the hanging scripts
C. Pictorial writing

Chapter 11: The Ottomans in Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean
A. The Canonization of naskh as text script Training, sources, and materials
B. The Canonization of thuluth as display script
C. The Hanging scripts

Chapter 12: Other styles and centers
A. The Mughals and their contemporaries in India
B. The Indian Ocean
C. The Maghrib
D. Sub-Saharan Africa

PART VI: THE MANY FACES OF ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY IN MODERN TIMES

Chapter 13: From traditional styles to calligraphic art and design
A. Traditional styles
B. Printing, typography, and computer graphics
C. Calligraphic art

Bibliography

An essential key to understanding Islamic arts and civilization
Every college-level collection strong in either Middle Eastern Studies or Middle Eastern art must have ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY: it's a specialty item for the serious holding which offers the first reference work on Arabic script. Calligraphy is one of the foundation arts of Islamic culture and has been a primary method of artistic expression from the 7th century to modern times, so it well deserves its own book and is anything but the 'esoteric art' Westerners might believe. Over 150 color illustrations and over a hundred black and white details come from dated examples to provide insights on everything from construction and history to identifying forgeries and understanding differing styles. An essential key to understanding Islamic arts and civilization, this reference is not to be missed.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Another Source for Letter Forms
If you're trying to learn Copperplate calligraphy, I don't recommend this as your first book. Instead, Eleanor Winters' Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy is a much better tool for self-study. However, once you master the material in Winters' book, you might find the Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy to be a good source for additional examples of letter forms, especially capitals.

Elegant, good value, full of helpful advice and examples
I love using this book for several reasons. The entire text is gracefully handwritten in Copperplate by this Master Penman. He has a very beautiful, elegant style and technically impressive nib control.

The book was published in 1987 and the author born in 1915, at the tail end of the `old-world', when Spencerian and Copperplate scripts were more widely practiced and enjoyed. I like the fact that he must have been about 70 years old when he prepared this work, making his steady hand, smooth and fluid hairlines all the more notable.

An aspect I particularly value and enjoy is that, unlike some Copperplate books where every stroke is absolutely perfect, this work is presented unretouched. As such it is far more 'human' and shows me what I can realistically aspire to.

Elegant, very useful, great value for money, highly recommended!

Good, basic instructions.Examples could be better.
This book is good for the price.The examples could be better.I've seen great examples from other teachers.It is worth the money invested and a good, starter for people who want to learn copperplate or engrosser'sscript. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Diana Hardy Wilson ROCKS
I just love the information she puts in her calligraphy books.Very instructive.

Great at what it does
First, let me make it clear that I love this book! It is primarily a reference, with basic step-by-step directions and tons of photos for a wide variety of techniques and alphabets.

Though the first section begins with "Basic Penmanship," I'm not sure I would not recommend it as a first book. However, I think it would make a great second book. It includes enough detail to allow you to develop a basic working knowledge of just about any of the techniques or alphabets, expanding your skills. Once you have identified a particular area of interest, I would recommend pursuing additional information. (This is not an in-depth work-just an overview!)

The second section is a sort of gallery, with photos of a wide variety of professional work and a short discussion of the artist's intentions or process. The work depicted is often breath taking, and makes ME jealous! I have returned to this book time and time again for inspiration.

Excellent Reference
If you are a beginner or have some experience in calligraphy, I would recommend this book.Excellent overall reference.

generally valuable resource
For anyone who desires to know about the mechanics and history of calligraphy, this book will prove valuable. However, its abundance of text may be daunting to beginning calligraphers, who desire more simpleinstruction.Advanced calligraphers may learn new techniques, but I wouldonly recommend this volume to those who are willing to sift throughsuperfluous information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great,for beginners
this book was a great help getting started in calligraphy but for more advanced scribes I would reccommend a more advanced book.This book is ideal for beginners because it comes with all the necessary materials toget started in calligraphy ... Read more