Book Review: The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy

The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy is a welcome addition to my library. Over the years I've played around with my own alphabet font, used calligraphy fountain pens, and looked up font suggestions online as I create bullet journal pages. My mother is the source of my creativity, and she once gave me her calligraphy nibs. I had no idea how their uses varied (they've sat in a small tin since I was gifted them due to my inexperience), but this book gave me detailed background information on the merits of each nib and holder type, as well as other modern tools.

The author and the various contributors are thorough in the information given. The sections are beautifully laid out in natural divisions. After detailing tools and paper and expanding on what to notice in the shapes of letters, there are sections on classic and modern calligraphy, decorative lettering, and even digital techniques. The history and recommendations for the best ways to use the script are provided, and I appreciated the detailed and thorough information in each section; for instance, I loved the simplicity and beauty of the cross-drill exercises in the Spencerian Script section.

Included are a variety of projects to inspire readers to be emboldened to create; there are name cards, bookmarks, decorative plates, wall art, and a personal favorite of mine were the embellished notebooks.

I am a fierce advocate for digital books, but I have some exceptions, because of the way I interact with certain genres: children's books, cookbooks, and craft books. This book, while demonstrating a beautiful layout in its digital form, would be so much more useful as a physical book, so I would encourage others to buy it in that medium. There are useful practice pages at the close of the book that, if it were in my possession, I would photocopy so I could practice repeatedly. Additionally, being able to have it open next to me while I practiced would be welcome (and would spare my tablet battery, given the amount of time I'd want to refer to specific alphabet or project suggestions).

This book gives you the resources and confidence to develop calligraphy and hand-lettering skills (I expect soon these fonts will make an appearance in my bullet journal, and I hope to create an original notebook cover with favorite literary quotations).

(I was provided a digital advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)