Calligraphy is described as the art of beautiful writing, but there is more to the subject than that, as this manual sets out to demonstrate. From the fundamentals of calligraphic layout to specialist techniques such as illumination or embossing, there is full coverage of everything all aspiring calligraphers need to know to advance their skills to the point where they can produce work to compare with that of seasoned professionals. As well as step-by-step analysis of the principles - and potential pitfalls - involved in executing each technique, there are specially divised projects to enable principles to be put into practice, as well as an inspirational gallery featuring an international selection of work from past and present.