It would be easy to over look this book, but it’s a gem in and of itself. Don’t get me wrong you can not expect to pick up this book and learn a hand. You have to have some knowledge and background in calligraphy, so this is not a beginners book. There are no directions showing stroke construction. The truly shinning point of this book is when you are stuck and don’t want to due the same ‘ol italic, or neuland, or uncial, but want to break out and experiment and try something new. Every page is a new exemplar and just looking at all these styles will get you reaching for a pen or reed, or brush....just something to write with! The only down side is there is no pointed pen variation or ruling/folded pen exemplars, but that’s not to say you couldn’t pick up your ruling pen and make your own exemplar based on one of Arthur’s. I can say I have picked up this book on more than one occasion when I’m wanting a new style to write. ( )

Standard calligraphic alphabets, particularly of the serif/italic style. The alphabets contained are very nice and complete, but very very similar to one another, to the point that you feel as though an entire book of them was somewhat unnecessary. ( )