6 Products

Comprising four A–Z sections, this comprehensive, well-designed guide covers the classification of typefaces from Albertus to Zapfino; the anatomy of letterforms; signs and symbols from @ to ¥; and the ‘typographer’s toolkit’ for organizing type on the page.

Most of the glyphs carved on the stone monuments of the ancient Maya civilization have now been deciphered. This handbook presents around 200 of the script’s symbolic characters, each with an interpretation of the concept that it expresses. The glyphs are arranged thematically to show what the Maya’s written records reveal about their lives and beliefs, their vigesimal number system and the complex organization of their solar and ritual calendars.

Rosemary Sassoon shows how letterforms, whether handwritten, printed, cut or carved, affect our everyday lives in myriad ways, from the different styles of teaching handwriting and how they can influence future attitudes and creativity, to the manipulative role of lettering and type design in advertising.

Having begun formal letterform training over 60 years ago, Sassoon gradually developed an informal style of her own and now has various children’s educational fonts named after her. This highly illustrated guide charts her progress through the stages of her career as packaging designer, teacher and type designer, featuring examples of her own work in chronological order and incorporating pieces from some of her students.

A heartfelt message in a greetings card looks even more sincere when it’s beautifully presented. This detailed guide explains essential calligraphic tools and materials, and includes tips such as how to make a pen from bamboo or balsa, and how to ensure ink flows from a nib. There are alphabets to copy and suggestions for making individual letters look special by embossing, cutting, or using gold leaf.

Hand-drawn lettering is very much in vogue in modern graphic design. This practical guide shows how to produce colourful and contemporary effects with creative letterforms. There are clear explanations of the basic techniques of letter construction, spacing and relative proportion but the book takes a looser, more intuitive approach than traditional calligraphy, with projects and exercises that use everyday writing tools and materials rather than specialist precision equipment.