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Miscellaneous The Illuminated Alphabet: An Inspiring Introduction to Creating Decorative Calligraphy Calligraphy by Timothy Noad Text by Patricia Seligman $24.95 / Running Press / 1994 The creation of elaborate, decorated letters originated during the Middle Ages in the cloisters as an homage to God. The Illuminated Alphabet offers an overview of the history and creation of illuminated manuscripts, as well as the techniques and materials used by modern calligraphers. Step-by-step instructions for re-creating 12 illuminated alphabets are offered in this beautifully graphic book, including Celtic, Saxon, Gothic, Romanesque, and Modern Revival. Diagrams for upper- and lower-case letters, ideas for borders and decorations, instructions for gilding, and a gallery of historical and modern examples are also brilliantly presented for inspiration. Under The Illuminated Alphabet's hard cover, their gilded pages are chock-full of ornate, vibrantly colorful illustrations exploring what paper to use, detailed information on types of vellum and how to prepare it, how to choose paintbrushes, paint, and inks, and how to gild. Interesting facts about the development of some styles of illuminationincluding Celtic knotwork, interlacing, and contemporary illuminationare also discussed. The Illuminated Alphabet presents a complete instruction on the fine art of illumination. If you are not a calligrapher upon opening this book, upon completing it, you are guaranteed to have pen in hand! —Mistress Isa

Click here to order:Illuminated Alphabet: An Inspiring Introduction to Creating Decorative Calligraphy           To order Renaissance Magazine, click here. To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.