The Puffin Book of Handwriting by Tom Gourdie
This book explains how, starting with simple exercises, one can easily learn to write beautifully. It is designed to be used alone, although it can also be used by a teacher with a class. The end result of the exercises and practises is a plain handwriting style. The last chapter shows how, by using a different kind of pen, it can be converted into a graceful italic hand.