If you can locate a copy of this fine volume, consider yourself fortunate indeed. It is 246 pages in about a nine inch by twelve inch (coffee table size) heavily illustrated book of some of the finest examples of lettering ever produced.

It begins with a chapter called, "A is for Aleph--a brief history of our letters," in which it depicts, with beautiful graphics, the earliest history of what we now call the 'alphabet.'

Most of the book is printed on coated, high-gloss, high-quality paper in black and white (some with a second color of brick red.) There are also inserts on onionskin showing the construction of sans-serif letters.

Other examples include fine, hand-lettered script alphabets and Old English. The book also includes examples of illustrated initial letters from early music pages and a great many pages of some exquisite designs encompassing fine lettering.

This is a book for the lettering artist's library, to browse, and to use for research when you have a reproduction lettering commission. I have had my copy since the early '50s, and I treasure it. I have often leafed through it looking for inspiration when faced with a deadline and in the throes of artist's block. It has saved my bacon more than once.

It is really a shame that books like this go out of print. I think the world suffers a little for their lack.

Try Amazon's rare and used book service.

Joseph Pierre,
Author of THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS: Our Journey Through Eternity