For calligraphy students and artists who have an interest in the origins, varieties and practical applications of formal letterforms, this book combines historical exemplar and modern technique. The author begins with a consideration of skeletal forms, followed by spreads on Roman capitals, Carolingian miniscules (including the form treated by Edward Johnston as Foundational), Italic writing (formal and informal), uncials, compound forms including versals, gothic (three forms), rustic capitals, half uncials and the pre-copperplate hand. Also featured are Rudolf Koch's Neuland, Italic flourishes, word and letter spacing and pen weight.