The ancient art of illuminating manuscripts is currently attracting many new enthusiasts among artists, art students, and lovers of calligraphy. The Bible of Illuminated Letters is a volume they’ll all want to add to their collections.

The book presents step-by-step instructions for recreating twelve illuminated alphabets. Among them are Celtic, Saxon, Gothic, Romanesque, Modern Revival, and seven more, including several modern scripts. Detailed diagrams instruct on creating upper- and lower-case letters, as well as on ways for designing borders and decorations.

More ambitious students can also follow clear directions for gilding—decorating with gold leaf—as was originally done in medieval European monasteries.

This beautiful book also features a picture gallery of outstanding historical and contemporary illuminated letters, as well as a glossary and index. More than 400 inspiring color illustrations are included.

Book specifications: wirebound hardback, 256 pg., 6 1/2 in. x 8 in.
Publisher: Barron’s, 2006.