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Calligraphy and Illumination: History and Practical Guide by Patricia Lovett. Just released by Abrams Books, this comprehensive volume is a treasure trove of professional and thorough information and instruction on calligraphy, illumination and heraldry.  Chapters "Calligraphy and Typography" by Hermann Zapf and "Handwriting and Calligraphy" by Rosemary Sassoon are added bonuses as is the reference section (nearly worth the book's price alone) which discusses paper (basics, choosing, problems, removing mistakes), vellum, brushes, and mixing color with a double primary palette.  Following an unusually thorough  comparison of tools for making letters and basics for starting to write, Lovett teaches 14 historical hands: Roman caps, Rustic, Uncial, half Uncial, Caroline minuscule, Insular minuscule, English Caroline minuscule, Gothic, Batarde, Rotunda, Humanistic minuscule, Renaissance caps, Italic and copperplate.  Chapters on experimenting with letters, working to commissions, ideas (cards, deckles, envelopes, embossing, good & poor layouts, making books) offer further possibilities for continuing beginners and beyond.  In the illumination section, gilding with gouache, shell, powder and leaf gold is discussed along with recommended tools, making and handling gesso, and egg tempera painting. Step by step illumination projects ranging from simple to complex complete this section. History and instruction for heraldry from different traditions is thoroughly covered as well. Topnotch.  8.5" x 10.25",  320pp., 225 illus., 175 full color. Index, glossary, reading list, index. Hardcover.

LOVETT  Calligraphy and Illumination, $39.95