This is a rare first edition copy of "The Artistic Crafts Series of Technical Handbooks: Writing & Illuminating & Lettering," by Edward Johnston. The 510 page volume includes frontispiece, 24 collotype plates, 8 plates in red and black, and 220 figures in text, plus 10 pages of advertisements at the end. Published by John Hogg, London, 1906.
This is a beautifully produced book and a classic one for anyone interested in calligraphy, lettering, typography etc. One of the founders of modern calligraphy, Edward Johnston regarded lettering, writing, and illuminating as not only desirable ends in themselves but also as practical avenues to mastery of typography, decoration, and design. Part I is devoted to writing and illuminating. It first covers the fundamentals of acquiring a formal hand: choosing paper, ink, and quills; holding the pen; spacing and planning a manuscript, etc. It then focusies on the techniques of producing a manuscript book: tools and materials, methods and proportions, margins, and other methods. Part II offers a detailed discussion of lettering: the qualities of good lettering, methods of construction and arrangement, spacing, proportion, and other matters. Two appendixes cover the uses of lettering in book bindings, wall inscriptions, monograms, and title pages, as well as the techniques involved in lettering on metal, wood, and stone.
Photos give a small sense of the abundant illustrations throughout--really lovely.
This copy, measuring 7 1/2" x 5" x 1 7/8", is in good antique condition. There is a library call number in white ink on the spine, again opposite the Editor's Preface, and numbers written in pencil on the back inside cover. Otherwise clean. Hinges have begun to detach from text block; page 497-8 has of the index has come loose from the binding. See photos.
