In this beautiful coffee table book, The Art of the Scribe Patricia Lovett has combined the practical art of calligraphy while looking at ancient manuscripts to show some of the most beautiful works and how to replicate them.
We learn about the history of calligraphy and the styles used by ancient scholars. Some of the examples of work are presented from Italian, French, and English scribes. The history we learn from these translated manuscripts is captivating, while the art and colour of the manuscripts encourages lingering.
Each section of the book discusses a style of calligraphy and shows practical applications. In Uncials, the author shows how to centre the text, use simple sponged decorations and free up the text. In other sections we are shown how to Highlight a line for emphasis, how to write text vertically, how to add painting decorations, and how to write in circles. Then Patricia moves on to talk about materials, such as metallic paints, parchment and vellum, pens, brushes, and sloping boards.
This book is a joy to the eye as well as a fascinating look into past writings. If you are practicing calligraphy you will wish to have this book by your side forever. If you love translations of old manuscripts and the humour and history, they bring you will wish to have this book by your side forever. If you love detailed artwork and exquisite visual pieces you again will keep this book close. For the sheer beauty of it and the interesting details about writing and art this will always be a treasure.
Reviewed By Grasshopper2
Author Patricia Lovett
Distributor: New South Books
ISBN: 9780712354844
Publisher: British Library Publishing
Website: https://newsouthbooks.com.au/books/the-art-of-the-scribe/
