The Best Calligraphy Books
“What are the best books for learning and perfecting Calligraphy?” We looked at 157 books, aggregating and ranking the best so we could answer that question!
Perfect (or start) your calligraphy skills with one of the over 150 different titles. The top 27 calligraphy books, all appearing on 2 or more lists, are below with images, description, and links. The remaining titles, as well as the sources we used, can be found at the bottom of the page.
Happy Scrolling!
The Top Calligraphy Books
27 .) A History of Illuminated Manuscripts by Christopher De Hamel
Lists It Appears On:
- Waterstones
- Alibris
Illuminated manuscripts are perhaps the most beautiful treasures to survive from the middle ages. This authoritative volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the medieval world of books, their production and their consumption. The text divides this world into different groups of readers and writers: missionaries, emperors, monks, students, aristocrats, priests, collectors and the general public. De Hamel is both informative and immensely readable, and the sumptuous illustrations render this book too good to be missed.
26 .) Brush Writing: Calligraphy Techniques for Beginners by Ryokushu Kuiseko
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphers Guild
- Goodreads
“For many a deep and lasting interest in Japanese culture, its people and its language, begins with a fascination for beautifully drawn characters produced by a master calligrapher. Compared with the squarish, regular representation of Chinese characters reproduced in books, newspapers, and magazines by modern printing techniques, the appealing brush strokes of a handwritten Japanese scroll, letter, or menu is often considered a work of art, and associated with the aesthetic and mystical. Brush Writing is dedicated to such enthusiasts of Japanese calligraphy who have searched for a basic and introductory guide in English to this traditional and challenging Eastern art.
Any learner of Japanese will almost certainly find this book an invaluable aid to writing kanji, a subject that is rarely dealt with adequately in language textbooks, as well as providing fundamental clues to decipher handwritten Japanese. Through nearly fifty model characters, Brush Writing teaches the basic techniques of writing almost any kanji. For each character, we have clearly shown the correct stroke order, major readings in romanized Japanese, and meanings in English. Advice on balance and other practical tips on writing kanji have also been included. Equally important to all non-native learners of Japanese, this book explains the secret of writing attractive hiragana, the key, in fact, to ensuring that handwritten Japanese is clearly legible and leaving the impression that it was penned by an adult Japanese hand.
But it does not end there. Brush Writing is more than a kanji guide for students of the Japanese language. After working through the systematic instructions carefully explained in this volume, anyone, with an appreciation of the beauty and art of quality brush work, should find little difficulty in creating fine calligraphy of their very own, even if the meanings of the shapes themselves remain a mystery. This volume begins with a comprehensive, but brief introduction to the history of Chinese and Japanese characters to satisfy the curiosity of the enthusiast. For novice calligraphers, not only have we explained how to use the necessary materials and equipment, such as brushes, paper, and sumi ink, but we have also appended a list of stores selling calligraphic supplies throughout the United States.
“
25 .) Calligraphy: A Complete Guide by Julien Chazal
Lists It Appears On:
- Haniya Calligraphy
- John Neal Bookseller Blog
Learn and master the beautiful and varied art of Western calligraphy. This lavishly illustrated guide includes all the information you need to get started in calligraphy, as well as techniques for the more advanced artist, including using color, carving lettering in wood and stone, and creating abstract and ornamental calligraphy designs. The 40 alphabets included are drawn from throughout the rich history of Western calligraphy, from elaborate Gothic lettering to the clean lines of modern alphabets. An essential reference for calligraphers of all levels.
24 .) Creative Lettering: Techniques & Tips from Top Artists by Jenny Doh
Lists It Appears On:
- Creative Market
- Alibris
Hand-lettering techniques are a popular and visually dynamic way to add textual elements to crafts, from journals to mixed-media art. Sixteen accomplished contributors—including calligraphers, painters, collagists, card makers, fiber artists, and graphic designers—give their personal perspectives on lettering. They all offer their favorite tools, how they use them, their signature technique with step-by-step instructions and photos, and an alphabet sampler of their own font. Gorgeous gallery images of each contributor’s work are also included.
23 .) Hand-Lettering for Everyone by Cristina Vanko
Lists It Appears On:
- Creative Market
- Waterstones
“In an increasingly digital and impersonal world, hand-lettering is more popular than ever. A way to personalize everything from book covers to T-shirts and restaurant menus, as well as a form of self-expression and cutting-edge design, writing by hand makes the written word immediate and intimate.
This beautiful and inviting book serves as an inspiring primer and an interactive workbook”
22 .) In Progress: See Inside a Lettering Artist’s Sketchbook and Process from Pencil to Vector by Jessica Hische
Lists It Appears On:
- Haniya Calligraphy
- Alibris
This show-all romp through design-world darling Jessica Hische’s sketchbook reveals the creative and technical process behind making award-winning hand lettering. See everything, from Hische’s rough sketches to her polished finals for major clients such as Wes Anderson, NPR, and Starbucks. The result is a well of inspiration and brass tacks information for designers who want to sketch distinctive letterforms and hone their skills. With more than 250 images and metallic silver ink printed throughout to represent her penciled sketches, this highly visual book is an essential—and entirely enjoyable—resource for those who practice or simply appreciate the art of hand lettering.
21 .) Italic and Copperplate Calligraphy: The Basics and Beyond by Eleanor Winters
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphy Skills
- Goodreads
“In recent years, calligraphy has evolved from an esoteric art form to an everyday pursuit for artists, students, and amateurs. This guide for novices with some experience offers the chance to advance to the next level. Well-illustrated, step-by-step instructions by an expert calligrapher explain every detail of the two most popular calligraphic alphabets.
Author Eleanor Winters introduces the Italic hand, which originated during the Renaissance, and the Copperplate style, which dominated European calligraphy during the eighteenth century. Her three-part approach begins with a review of the basics, advancing to variations in letter size, form, weight, and flourishes. It concludes with a wealth of advice on layout and design as well as inspiration for original projects.”
20 .) Italic Calligraphy and Handwriting: Exercises and Text by Lloyd J. Reynolds
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphy Skills
- Goodreads
http://amzn.to/2molCtB
19 .) Left-Handed Calligraphy by Vance Studley
Lists It Appears On:
- Alibris
- Goodreads
“The art of beautiful handwriting is no more difficult to master for the left-handed than for the right-handed student. But the left-handed writer requires a special orientation which most guidebooks on the subject do not provide. This excellent study remedies that situation handsomely. Generously illustrated, it offers full, intensive coverage of the art of calligraphy from the left-handed writer’s point of view.
Vance Studley, an award-winning calligrapher and well-known arts educator and author, shows left-handers how to select appropriate tools and materials, learn correct hand, pen and nib positions, master composition and page layout, and much more. Four model alphabets are introduced — Italic Hand, Chancery Cursive, Uncial Hand, and the Foundation Hand — each providing valuable lessons in the mastery of left-handed calligraphy. With each lesson, students will move forward confidently to new levels of skill in this time-honored art.”
18 .) Pen Lettering by Ann Camp
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphers Guild
- The Calligraphy Pen
In this book Ann Camp sets out to explain every action in every stage of learning to use the pen, from the making of letters to spacing words, planning and designing a page, and from there to planning a book. For those who teach and wish to refresh their minds on a direct and clear approach, this book will be invaluable, and for those who wish to become proficient in the craft of pen lettering each stage is clearly explained.
17 .) The Art & Craft of Hand Lettering by Annie Cicale
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphers Guild
- Goodreads
One of the most highly recommend instructional books for broad-edged calligraphy, this handbook is ideal for classes or self-study to master the basics of calligraphy. All of the essentials are included in this volume, from the history and practices of this ancient art to a guide to the tools, materials, and design basics needed to create elegant, beautiful writing for all occasions. Also featured is a gallery of examples from today’s best scribes, along with detailed exemplars and diagrams.
16 .) The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College, Dublin by Bernard Meehan
Lists It Appears On:
- Goodreads
- Alibris
“The Book of Kells is a masterpiece of medieval art―a brilliantly decorated version of the four Gospels with full-page depictions of Christ, the Virgin and the Evangelists as well as a wealth of smaller decorative painting. The strange imagination displayed in the pages, the impeccable technique and the very fine state of preservation make The Book of Kells an object of endless fascination.
This edition reproduces the most important of the fully decorated pages plus a series of enlargements showing the almost unbelievable minuteness of the detail; spiral and interlaced patterns, human and animal ornament―a combination of high seriousness and humor. “
15 .) The Botanical Hand Lettering Workbook by Bethany Robertson
Lists It Appears On:
- Creative Market
- Alibris
Learn the art of hand-lettering. This step-by-step workbook teaches you how to craft pretty letters and flowers of all sorts. Use your newfound botanical lettering skills to make cards, wedding invitations, banners, tags, paper bouquets and other fun projects.
14 .) Traditional Penmanship by Anne Trudgill
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphy Skills
- Calligraphers Guild
13 .) Writing & Illuminating & Lettering by Edward Johnston
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphers Guild
- The Calligraphy Pen
12 .) Calligraphy for the Beginner by Tom Gourdie
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphers Guild
- The Calligraphy Pen
- Goodreads
As an introduction to calligraphy, the author, himself a past master of the art, supplies many different alphabets and shows how each may be applied by drawing, painting, carving or writing with a broad lettering pen. He also gives advice on materials that are most suitable. This is one of the classic books in the field.
11 .) Creative Lettering and Beyond by Gabri Joy Kirkendall, Laura Lavender, Julie Manwaring and Shauna Lynn Panczyszyn
Lists It Appears On:
- Creative Market
- Goodreads
- Alibris
Creative Lettering and Beyond combines the artistic talents and inspirational tips and tutorials of several professional hand letterers and calligraphers for a dynamic and interactive learning experience. After a brief introduction to the various tools and materials, artists and lettering enthusiasts will learn how to master the art of hand lettering and typography through engaging, easy-to-follow step-by-step projects, prompts, and exercises. From the basic shape and form of letters, to cursive script, spacing, and alignment, artists will discover how to transform simple words, phrases, and quotes into beautiful works of hand-lettered art. The interactive format and step-by-step process offers inspirational instruction for a wide variety of fun projects and gift ideas, including hand-rendered phrases on paper and digitally enhanced notecards. Artists will also discover how to apply lettering to linen, coffee mugs, calendars, and more. Numerous practice pages and interactive prompts throughout the book invite readers to put their newfound lettering skills to use, as well as work out their artistic ideas. Covering a variety of styles and types of lettered art, including calligraphy, illustration, chalk lettering, and more, artists will find a plethora of exercises and tips to help them develop their own unique lettering style. With comprehensive instructions and fun, inspirational exercises and projects, Creative Lettering and Beyond is a must-have resource for anyone who wants to learn this beautiful and stylish art form.
10 .) Foundations of Calligraphy by Sheila Waters
Lists It Appears On:
- Haniya Calligraphy
- Calligraphers Guild
- John Neal Bookseller Blog
A calligraphy instructional manual by a master scribe who is also a master teacher. Sheila Waters has taught a generation of calligraphers through summer classes and weekend workshops. Her long awaited manual presents instruction and analysis of a wide variety of hands, as well as, design for calligraphers. Chapters include Foundations, Capitols, Blackletter, Gothic Cursives, Uncial & Half Uncial, Carolingian, Italic and Italic Variations, Analysing Letterforms & Practicing Effectively and Design & Layout. Includes eight color pages of Sheila’s inspiring work
9 .) Learn Calligraphy: The Complete Book of Lettering and Design by Margaret Shepherd
Lists It Appears On:
- Goodreads
- Alibris
- The Calligraphy Pen
“In an age of myriad computer fonts and instant communication, your handwriting style is increasingly a very personal creation. In this book, Margaret Shepherd, America’s premier calligrapher, shows you that calligraphy is not simply a craft you can learn, but an elegant art form that you can make your own.
Calligraphy remains perennially popular, often adorning wedding invitations, diplomas, and commercial signs. Whether it is Roman, Gothic, Celtic, Bookhand, or Italic style, calligraphy conveys class and elegance. Margaret Shepherd makes this ancient art form accessible in a completely hand-lettered technical guide”
8 .) Mastering Calligraphy by Gaye Godfrey-Nicholls
Lists It Appears On:
- Calligraphers Guild
- Creative Market
- Antiquaria Vintage
The centuries-old art of calligraphy has rarely witnessed a more diverse and prolific explosion of new work than in today’s hand-lettering revival. Mastering the Art of Calligraphy is the most comprehensive and up-to-date volume on this traditional craft and its contemporary practice. Brimming with both practical instruction and more than 700 inspirational photos, this is the definitive new guide for both serious calligraphers and budding hand-lettering enthusiasts. Inside are step-by-step instructions accompanied by examples of current work, plus historical information, artist profiles, troubleshooting tips, and an extensive resource section. Perfect for students, artists, professionals, and hobbyists, this is a tremendously valuable addition to any arts library.
7 .) Ornate Pictorial Calligraphy by E.A. Lupfer
Lists It Appears On:
- Haniya Calligraphy
- Goodreads
- Alibris
“A good pen, this book, and practice are all you need to create your own magnificent swirls, delicately shaded curves, harmoniously crisscrossing lines, from which birds, rabbits, deer, ribbons, and other images gracefully emerge. Complete instructions lead you from proper positioning and basic exercises to finished flourishes of increasing complexity.
Frequent helpful hints encourage calligraphers to cultivate grace, harmony, and symmetry by means of diligence, patience, and perseverance. The approach is quaintly traditional, the results delightful. Over 150 lovely examples of flourishes form in themselves a wonderful collection of ornate pictorial calligraphy.
With this unique manual and ample practice, you will help keep alive a glorious decorative art. As this book belongs to the Dover Pictorial Archive series, its royalty-free illustrations may also be applied to a multitude of graphic arts and design purposes.”
6 .) The Encyclopedia Of Calligraphy Techniques by Diana Hardy Wilson
Lists It Appears On:
- Goodreads
- Goodreads
- Calligraphers Guild
A comprehensive A-Z directory of calligraphy techniques and a step-by-step guide to their uses
5 .) The Universal Penman by George Bickham
Lists It Appears On:
- Alibris
- Goodreads
- Haniya Calligraphy
George Bickham, a noted engraver and calligrapher, first compiled this work back in the 1740’s, from the best specimens of 24 of the leading calligraphers of his day. Unfortunately, Bickham published his work in 52 separate parts, over a period of eight years. In Bickham’s own day it was difficult to get a complete set of the Universal Penman; today, apart from this edition, it is virtually impossible, for most surviving 18th-century copies lack certain rare plates.
4 .) The Art of Calligraphy (A Practical Guide to the Skills and Techniques) by David Harris
Lists It Appears On:
- Alibris
- Calligraphers Guild
- Calligraphers Guild
- Goodreads
Here is a comprehensive guide explaining everything you need to know to master the skills and techniques of beautiful writing. Beginning with a review of Western calligraphy from antiquity to today’s electronic age, The Art of Calligraphy helps the reader choose equipment —- brushes, pens, pencils, papers, and inks —- and then shows exactly how to hold and angle the pen to produce every letter of the alphabet in a number of different scripts. Key elements of letter anatomy are explained in detail —- step–by–step constructions show each essential step in creating the distinctive characteristics of 26 styles. All the major Latin–based scripts are included —- from Roman Imperial and Caroline to Gothic, Renaissance, and Copperplate scripts. The Art of Calligraphy features the very best historical and contemporary examples of each style, offering guidance and inspiration in this age of computer–generated type. Soon you will be ready to use your exquisite penmanship to personalize stationery or enhance other special gifts and objects. Combining instructional diagrams with outstanding examples from Western masters, The Art of Calligraphy is a unique introduction to hand lettering. It is an authoritative reference as well as a source of inspiration for any artist.
3 .) The Calligrapher’s Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them by David Harris
Lists It Appears On:
- Waterstones
- Calligraphy Skills
- Goodreads
- Alibris
- Calligraphers Guild
Both hobbyists and students of design will value this easy-to-use self-teaching book. Each of its 100 sections shows a complete A-to-Z calligraphy alphabet, with lessons on correct pen strokes and advice on avoiding errors. Beginners will find sound basic instruction, while experienced calligraphers can extend their repertoire with letter styles that range from classic Roman to clean and elegant contemporary styles. In addition to analysis of each alphabet’s features, the book’s detailed instruction provides information on– Tools and materials * Layout basics * Numerals and punctuation * Illumination and ornamentation * Tips for the left-handed calligrapher . . . and more. Readers will also find examples by master calligraphers from past eras. This book’s spiral binding ensures that pages lay flat when opened, allowing calligraphers to study and copy each pen stroke with ease. The Calligrapher’s Bible is printed in color and features more than 350 illustrations.
2 .) Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor Winters
Lists It Appears On:
- Antiquaria Vintage
- The Postmans Knock
- Waterstones
- Goodreads
- Calligraphy Skills
- Alibris
“Developed by English handwriting masters in the 18th century, copperplate calligraphy is admired for its fluidity and beauty. It is the most popular style for social correspondence, invitations, and other communications requiring an elegant hand.
In this practical manual, a noted calligraphy teacher offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for the student. Beginning with a brief but fascinating history of copperplate, she moves quickly to an in-depth examination of the alphabet, numbers, and punctuation. Each letter is demonstrated stroke by stroke with a clear explanation.
Readers will also find detailed discussions of writing in color, using the proper paper, and learning how to retouch, correct, and crop. Ms. Winters then shows how copperplate can be used to write a simple paragraph, a short quotation, or poetry, and explains how to use the script commercially for addressing envelopes and writing name cards and invitations. With this easy-to-follow manual and some practice, calligraphers will be able to create copperplate scripts with the rhythm, grace, and ease of the great writing masters.”
1 .) Modern Calligraphy by Molly Suber Thorpe
Lists It Appears On:
- Antiquaria Vintage
- By Dawn Nicole
- Haniya Calligraphy
- The Postmans Knock
- Waterstones
- Goodreads
- Alibris
Calligraphy is about creating something uniquely beautiful, whether to celebrate a special occasion like marriage or to use every day in the form of stationery. Author Molly Suber Thorpe, an award-winning designer and calligrapher based in Los Angeles, works closely with her international clients to give them the distinctive products they’re looking for. Now you can learn from this experienced expert how to master this fresh modern lettering style. The first book to teach this bold new style breaks the calligraphy process down into simple steps so anyone can learn to create their own stunning wedding invitations, thank you cards, gift tags, and more. Starting with an overview of the supplies―from paper to ink to pens―you will learn how to form letters, words, and then phrases by following Molly’s clear step-by-step instructions, and by practicing with the provided templates. After mastering letter forms using a pointed pen and ink you can take it to the next level by learning how to use watercolor and gouache, or how to digitize your calligraphy. The twenty projects in the book provide lots of inspiration for making your own and are grouped into three sections: weddings, entertainment, and personal stationery.
The Remaining Best Calligraphy Books
| # | Book | Author | Lists |
| (Titles Appear On 1 List Each) | |||
| 28 | 50 Shades of F*ck: A Swear… | Kathleen Julie, Adult Coloring Book | Alibris |
| 29 | A Book of Scripts (Unknown Binding) | Alfred Fairbank | Goodreads |
| 30 | A copperplate manual (yet untitled) | Paul Antonio, Scribe | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 31 | Adult Coloring Books (Paperback) | Adult Coloring Books, Elephant Coloring Books | |
| 32 | An Elegant Hand | William E. Henning | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 33 | An Introduction to Calligraphy | Evans, George | Calligraphers Guild |
| 34 | Arabic Calligraphy (Paperback) | Mustafa Ja’far, Venetia Porter | |
| 35 | Basic Calligraphic Hands | Gourdie, Tom | Calligraphers Guild |
| 36 | Basic Skills: Calligraphy Techniques and Creative Projects for Beginners | Trudgill, Anne | Calligraphers Guild |
| 37 | Beasley, Dick | Beasley, Dick | Calligraphers Guild |
| 38 | Beginner’s Guide to Calligraphy | Lynskey, Marie | Calligraphers Guild |
| 39 | BFH [Better Fluent Handwriting]: A Manual for Fluent Handwriting (with CDROM) | Barchowsky, Nan Jay | Calligraphers Guild |
| 40 | Calligraphic Flourishing: A New Approach to an Ancient Art (Paperback) | Bill Hildebrandt | Goodreads |
| 41 | Calligraphic Lettering with Wide Pen and Brush | Douglass, Ralph | Calligraphers Guild |
| 42 | Calligraphic Styles | Gourdie, Tom | Calligraphers Guild |
| 43 | Calligraphy | Don Marsh | Alibris |
| 44 | Calligraphy 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily through Step-by-Step Instruction (Spiral-bound) | Jeaneen Gauthier | Goodreads |
| 45 | Calligraphy Alphabet for Beginners | Mary Noble and Janet Mehigan | John Neal Bookseller Blog |
| 46 | Calligraphy Alphabets Made Easy (Paperback) | Margaret Shepherd | Goodreads |
| 47 | Calligraphy and Illumination: A History and Practical Guide (Hardcover) | Patricia Lovett | Goodreads |
| 48 | Calligraphy and Lettering (Paperback) | Arthur Newhall | Waterstones |
| 49 | Calligraphy Art & Color | Halliday, Peter | Calligraphers Guild |
| 50 | Calligraphy Bible: A Complete Guide to More Than 100 Essential Projects and Techniques (Paperback) | Maryanne Grebenstein | Goodreads |
| 51 | Calligraphy for Kids | Eleanor Winters | Alibris |
| 52 | Calligraphy From Beginner to Expert | Young, Caroline, Jane Felstead, designer | Calligraphers Guild |
| 53 | Calligraphy in Ten Easy Lessons | Winters, Eleanor and Laurie E | Calligraphers Guild |
| 54 | Calligraphy Made Easy: A Complete Beginner’s Guide | Goffe, Gaynor | Calligraphers Guild |
| 55 | Calligraphy Magic: How to Create Lettering, Knotwork, Coloring and More (Paperback) | Cari Buziak | Goodreads |
| 56 | Calligraphy Paper Pad: Brown… | Calligraphy Paper Pad, Calligraphy Set | Alibris |
| 57 | Calligraphy school (Hardcover) | Reader’s Digest Association | Goodreads |
| 58 | Calligraphy Stroke by Stroke: A New Illustrated Guide to Calligraphy Techniques with Eleven Calligraphic Alphabets | Moring, Annie | Calligraphers Guild |
| 59 | Calligraphy: A Book Of Contemporary Inspiration (Hardcover) | Denise Lach | Goodreads |
| 60 | Calligraphy: A Course in Hand Lettering (Spiral-bound) | Maryanne Grebenstein | Goodreads |
| 61 | Calligraphy: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Practitioner. (Hardcover) | Gaye Godfrey-Nicholls | Goodreads |
| 62 | Celtic Calligraphy (Spiral bound) | Kerry Richardson | Waterstones |
| 63 | Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy… | Rebecca Yue | Alibris |
| 64 | Complete Book of Calligraphy | Young, Caroline, ed | Calligraphers Guild |
| 65 | Complete Calligraphy Skills: Everything You Need to Know with 20 Beautiful Lettering Styles (Paperback) | Vivien Lunniss | Goodreads |
| 66 | Complete Guide to Calligraphy (Paperback) | Vivien Lunniss | Waterstones |
| 67 | Creating Letterforms: Calligraphy and Lettering for Beginners | Sassoon, Rosemary and Patricia Lovett | Calligraphers Guild |
| 68 | Creative Calligraphy: Instructions & Alphabets | Zapf, Hermann | Calligraphers Guild |
| 69 | Creative Lettering Today | Harvey, Michael | Calligraphers Guild |
| 70 | Doodle Sweary Dogs (Paperback) | Yady Anita Erondu, Adult Coloring Books, Big Heart Publishers | Waterstones |
| 71 | Drawing Type: An Introduction to Illustrating Letterforms | Alex Fowkes | Creative Market |
| 72 | Edward Johnston: A Signature for London (Paperback) | Richard Taylor | Waterstones |
| 73 | Formal Penmanship and Other Papers | Johnston, Edward and Heather Child, ed | Calligraphers Guild |
| 74 | Get Lettering (Paperback) | Rian Hughes | Waterstones |
| 75 | Getting Started in Calligraphy (Paperback) | Nancy Baron | Goodreads |
| 76 | Habibi (Hardcover) | Craig Thompson | Goodreads |
| 77 | Hand Job: A Catalogue of Type | Michal Perry | Creative Market |
| 78 | Hand Lettering Ledger | Mary Kate McDevitt | Creative Market |
| 79 | Hand Lettering: Simple, Creative Styles for Cards, Scrapbooks & More (Paperback) | Marci Donley | Goodreads |
| 80 | Hand to Type: Scripts, Hand-Lettering, and Calligraphy | Klanten, Middendorp, and Hellige | Creative Market |
| 81 | Historical Scripts | Knight, Stan | Calligraphers Guild |
| 82 | Italic Letters: Calligraphy and Handwriting | Dubay, Inga and Barbara Getty | Calligraphers Guild |
| 83 | Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting, Cursive and Calligraphic (Paperback) | Fred Eager | Goodreads |
| 84 | Japanische Kalligraphie für Einsteiger. (Hardcover) | Tomo Yoshihara | Goodreads |
| 85 | Just My Type | Simon Garfield | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 86 | Layout and Design for Calligraphers | Alan Furber | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 87 | Learn Lettering and Calligraphy Step-by-Step | Lawther, Gail; Christopher Lawther and Anne Trudgill, calligrapher | Calligraphers Guild |
| 88 | Learn to Draw Calligraphy Animals (Hardback) | Andrew Fox | Waterstones |
| 89 | Learn to Draw Calligraphy Nature (Hardback) | Andrew Fox | Waterstones |
| 90 | Learn World Calligraphy: Discover African, Arabic, Chinese, Ethiopic, Greek, Hebrew, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Russian, Thai, Tibetan Calligraphy, and Beyond (Paperback) | Margaret Shepherd | Goodreads |
| 91 | Learning to Write Spencerian Script | Michael R. Sull | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 92 | Lessons in Formal Writing | Johnston, Edward, Heather Child | Calligraphers Guild |
| 93 | Letterforms: An Introductory Manual of Calligraphy, Lettering & Type | Shaw, Paul | Calligraphers Guild |
| 94 | Lettering & Calligraphy Workbook | The Diagram Group | Calligraphers Guild |
| 95 | Lettering and Alphabets | J. Albert Cavanagh | Creative Market |
| 96 | Lettering Arts (Paperback) | Joanne Fink | Goodreads |
| 97 | Little Book of Lettering | Emily Gregory | Creative Market |
| 98 | Medieval Calligraphy: Its History and Technique (Paperback) | Marc Drogin | Goodreads |
| 99 | Nib + Ink (Paperback) | Chiara Perano | Waterstones |
| 100 | Papermaking | Dard Hunter | Alibris |
| 101 | Pen Calligraphy Manual: Basic Calligraphy | Sloan, Fran (Strom) | Calligraphers Guild |
| 102 | Practical Calligraphy | Nash, John R | Calligraphers Guild |
| 103 | Practical Calligraphy (Paperback) | George Thomson | Waterstones |
| 104 | Reinventing Lettering (Hardback) | Emily Gregory | Waterstones |
| 105 | Rhodia Dot Pad | By Dawn Nicole | |
| 106 | Scribe: Artist of the Written Word (Hardcover) | John Stevens | Goodreads |
| 107 | Scribes and Illuminators | Christopher De Hamel | Alibris |
| 108 | Script in the Copperplate Style | Dr. Joe Vitolo | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 109 | Script Lettering for Artists (Lettering, Calligraphy, Typography) | Tommy Thompson | Creative Market |
| 110 | Scripts: Elegant Lettering from Design’s Golden Age | Louise Fili | Creative Market |
| 111 | Simply Calligraphy (Paperback) | Judy Detrick | Waterstones |
| 112 | Sketching Type (Paperback) | Lee Suttey | Waterstones |
| 113 | Speedball Textbook, 23rd Edition. Edited | Joanne Fink & Judy Kastin | John Neal Bookseller Blog |
| 114 | Spencerian Handwriting: The… | Platts Roger Spencer | Alibris |
| 115 | Strathmore Calligraphy Pad | By Dawn Nicole | |
| 116 | Tamblyn’s Home Instructor in Penmanship | F. W. Tamblyn | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 117 | Teach Yourself Calligraphy | Lovett, Patricia | Calligraphers Guild |
| 118 | The 26 Letters: A History of the Alphabet | Ogg, Oscar | Calligraphers Guild |
| 119 | The ABC’s of Hand Lettering | Abbey Sy | Goodreads |
| 120 | The Anatomy of Letters: A Guide to the Art of Calligraphy | Pearce, Charles | Calligraphers Guild |
| 121 | The Art of Calligraphy: How to Master Broad Pen Scripts | Calligraphy Skills | |
| 122 | The Art of Chinese Calligraphy (Paperback) | Jean Long | Goodreads |
| 123 | The Art of Hand Lettering | Helm Wotzkow | Creative Market |
| 124 | The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy (Hardcover) | Margaret Morgan | Goodreads |
| 125 | The British Library Companion to Calligraphy, Illumination & Heraldry: A History and Practical Guide (Hardcover) | Patricia Lovett | Goodreads |
| 126 | The Calligrapher’s Handbook (Paperback) | Heather Child | Goodreads |
| 127 | The Calligrapher’s Handbook | Child, Heather, ed | Calligraphers Guild |
| 128 | The Calligraphers’ Dictionary | Folsom, Rose | Calligraphers Guild |
| 129 | The Calligraphy Sampler: Roman Alphabets | Pearce, Charles | Calligraphers Guild |
| 130 | The Calligraphy Source Book: The Essential Reference for All Calligraphers | Stribley, Miriam | Calligraphers Guild |
| 131 | The Calligraphy Work Book: How to Master Broad Pen Scripts | Thomson, George L | Calligraphers Guild |
| 132 | The Classic Art of Calligraphy (Mixed media product) | Lee Newton | Waterstones |
| 133 | The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering (Hardback) | Valerie McKeehan | Waterstones |
| 134 | The Complete Calligrapher | Wong, Frederick | Calligraphers Guild |
| 135 | The Complete Calligrapher (Paperback) | Maryanne Grebenstein | Waterstones |
| 136 | The Complete Guide to Calligraphy Techniques and Materials | Martin, Judy and Miriam Stribley | Calligraphers Guild |
| 137 | The Craft of Calligraphy | Mahoney, Dorothy | Calligraphers Guild |
| 138 | The Creative Calligraphy Sourcebook: Choose from 50 Imaginative Projects and 28 Alphabets to… (Paperback) | Adrian Waddington | Goodreads |
| 139 | The Divan (Hardcover) | Hafez | Goodreads |
| 140 | The Elements of Lettering | John Howard and Arthur Graham Carey | Calligraphers Guild |
| 141 | The Golden Thread: A History of Writing (Hardcover) | Ewan Clayton | Goodreads |
| 142 | The Historical Source Book for Scribes | Calligraphy Skills | |
| 143 | The History and Technique of Lettering | Nesbitt, Alexander | Calligraphers Guild |
| 144 | The Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting: Cursive and Italic | Eager, Fred | Calligraphers Guild |
| 145 | The Joy of Lettering: A… | Gabri Joy KirKendall, Jaclyn Escalera | Alibris |
| 146 | The Little Manual of Calligraphy | Pearce, Charles | Calligraphers Guild |
| 147 | The Mystic Art of Written Forms: An Illustrated Handbook for Lettering | Neugebauer, Friedrich and Bruce Kennett, translator | Calligraphers Guild |
| 148 | The New Better Handwriting | Thomson, George L | Calligraphers Guild |
| 149 | The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy: Create your Own Chinese Characters and Symbols for Good Fortune and Prosperity (Hardcover) | Qu Lei Lei | Goodreads |
| 150 | The Story of Writing | Jackson, Donald | Calligraphers Guild |
| 151 | The Typography Colouring Book (Paperback) | The Typography Colouring Book (Paperback) | |
| 152 | The Zanerian Manual of Alphabets and Engrossing | Zaner-Bloser, Inc. | Haniya Calligraphy |
| 153 | Traces of the Brush: The Art of Japanese Calligraphy (Hardcover) | Louise Boudonnat | Goodreads |
| 154 | Typography Sketchbooks | Steven Heller and Talarico Lita | Creative Market |
| 155 | Using Calligraphy: A Workbook of Alphabets, Projects, and Techniques (Paperback) | Margaret Shepherd | Goodreads |
| 156 | Written Letters: 33 Alphabets for Calligraphers Expanded and Revised | Svaren, Jacqueline | Calligraphers Guild |
| 157 | Zenspirations: Letters &… | Joanne Fink | Alibris |
The Best How-To Calligraphy Book Lists
| Source | Article |
| Alibris | Best Selling Art Calligraphy Books |
| Antiquaria Vintage | Calligraphy Tutorial | Calligraphy Resources |
| By Dawn Nicole | MODERN CALLIGRAPHY 101 |
| Calligraphers Guild | “Best” Calligraphy Books for Beginners and Beyond |
| Calligraphy Skills | Calligraphy book reviews |
| Creative Market | 15 Fantastic Books on Hand Lettering |
| Goodreads | Popular Calligraphy Books |
| Haniya Calligraphy | CALLIGRAPHY AND LETTERING BOOKS |
| John Neal Bookseller Blog | BEGINNER BOOKS FOR BROAD-EDGED CALLIGRAPHY STUDY |
| The Calligraphy Pen | Calligraphy: How to pick a “how to” book |
| The Postmans Knock | Best Gifts for a Calligraphy Beginner |
| Waterstones | Lettering & Calligraphy Books |
