This is a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind resource that looks at the sophisticated beauty of calligraphy from around the world. It features 55 living scripts, with visual examples and an overview of origins, traditions & unique characteristics. It is a groundbreaking collection that will teach and inspire novices, experts and admirers alike. You can discover the sophisticated beauty of calligraphy from around the world with this comprehensive, one-of-a-kind resource. Using visual examples accompanied by expert commentary, "The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy" features 55 living scripts, including Carolingian (Roman), Japanese Hiragana, Thuluth (Arabic), U-Chen (Tibetan) and Yerushalmi (Hebrew). Each script includes an overview of its origins, traditions and unique characteristics while an expanded description includes the kind of writing system used, the direction and sequence of the lines of continuous text, distinctions between majuscule and minuscule and the principal writing tool. Both a step-by-step guide and sumptuous visual tour, this groundbreaking collection will teach and inspire novices, experts and admirers alike.