Johnston traces the development of letterforms and type, and the use and application of formal writing. Among the topics of importance to calligraphers and designers are the value of decoration, its proper application, and its practice and usage. Includes diagrams of page layouts illustrating how calligraphy is applied to book work. The essay was handlettered in 1930 by John C. Tarr, a former student of Johnston¹s, to illustrate the teachings of his past master. The pages were sewn into a simple paper over boards binding with a cloth spine. It was originally published in book form in 1971. This new edition re-introduces the book to a new audience.