William E. Henning

I read this book several years ago but it has stuck with me. As I recall, these are autobiographical notes from an early twentieth century American calligrapher, edited for publication by his son. The book covers the history of Spencerian calligraphy, the classic American hand, starting from Spencer and running up into the 1930s or so. There are lots and lots of amazing examples of calligraphy showcased here. The history is quite wonderful here. For example, these calligraphy masters would sit around and test each others' skill, creating complex signatures and challenging the others to reproduce them. These masters would serve as witnesses in forgery cases.

This book is a wonderful picture into a world that has 99% evaporated in today's digital world. But calligraphy ain't quite dead yet. May it long survive and come to flourish again, as we come to realize that civilization is our responsibility as well as our good fortune!… (meer)