Calligraphy can make a plain wedding invitation into a work of art; put a unique and beautiful label on a gift or article of clothing; or add a graceful, personal touch to even the simplest correspondence. People who are serious about calligraphy have turned to this resource since 1949 to make this intricate art easy to understand and effortless to perform. Filled with step-by-step lessons and creative exercises, this guide is a classic text on a timeless art. Readers will practice the various calligraphic alphabets (such as roman, italic, and script), brush lettering, designed letters and type. and much more through a whole host of uncomplicated techniques and methods that should benefit all students of calligraphy - whether a fine artist, an on-the-job craftsperson, or an everyday enthusiast. Readers will also find examples taken from all periods of art history, and detailed explanations of the various tools and materials people need to practice calligraphy.