A Handwriting Manual

by Alfred Fairbank

"This famous manual . . . should be read by all those professing the slightest interest in lettering, writing, or the graphic arts." — Printing World
"Despite the spate of publications on this subject, this one remains far and away the best." — Society of Industrial Artists Journal
This classic introduction presents the fundamentals behind every aspect of the art of penmanship, from the necessary equipment to the best techniques. Written by an expert calligrapher whose books were widely used in schools, it offers an essential guide to those who practice or teach lettering and graphic design.
Clearly illustrated with numerous examples and diagrams, the text begins with the development and characteristics of italic and the essentials of good penmanship: legibility, beauty, unity, speed, expedience, freedom, and control. Subsequent chapters explain the tools of penmanship and their use: pens and penholders, pencils, felt-tipped pens, chalks, paper, and ink as well as hand movements, pressure, and touch. Discussions and examples of technique focus on strokes, joins, rhythms, angularity slant, and spacing in addition to how to write capitals, minuscules, numerals, stops, and contractions.

Genres: Writing

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Alfred John Fairbank CBE was a British calligrapher, palaeographer and author on handwriting. Fairbank was a founding member of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators in 1921, and later became its honourable secretary. (Wikipedia)

He taught at Brighton College of Art, 1955-1966.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those curiosities you find in a used-book shop, take home, and browse through on a rainy afternoon with satisfaction and the urge to write more legibly from now on.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

My main takeaways: Italic is a bridge style from block printed lettering to joined-up writing. Balance body, elbows out, to let pen point wider than my shoulder.

Fun new phrase (p.97): swash capitals which show off with a flourish, especially a descending, sweeping tail, notably for {GJQXY}. Writing samples among the plates (pl. 24, 26) included non-highlighted use of swash minuscule letters {kz} both mid- and end-of-word.

[via browsing library shelf next to Missing Ink]

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

#AHandwritingManual #NetGalley

A complete reference book about handwriting. The book contains historical facts, techniques, and illustration to lead the reader into the sophisticated universe of handwriting.

[Books In Brogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There isn't any new information or much in the way of instructions so I wouldn't recommend it for anyone that wants it for that.  You will find mostly historical information on the history of handwriting.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan