This expertly presented new book covers all the necessary aspects of the art of "beautiful writing", setting out the essential tools needed to begin, teaching all the basic strokes to form letters, & providing a rich variety of alphabet templates from which to work. A dozen classic alphabets are illustrated, with step-by-step pictures showing pen angles & strokes & common group structures. This book also contains over 50 original step-by-step projects that offer practical ideas & inspiration for using calligraphy in all kinds of ways, including invitations, menus & place names, posters & flyers, headed paper, certificates, & greetings cards. With its authoritative text, inspirational gallery of examples & clear step-by-step guidance & alphabet templates, this practical teaching course is the perfect starter manual for beginners as well as an inspirational sourcebook for more experienced calligraphers.