Written by professional scribes, this book is aimed at both amateur and professional calligraphers who wish further guidance in extending and perfecting their repertoire. It breaks down the alphabets into two basic courses of study: first, those acknowledged as "common currency," the real foundation alphabets that all scribes acknowledge as "basic"; and second, examples that are more "exotic" (and often more demanding), uncials, gothics, rustics, and copperplate scripts.

The real value of the book lies in the author's familiarity not only with how letters are actually drawn, but also with the historical precedents from which they evolve - as well as in the halftones of manuscripts and codices, examples of recent works, and contemporary solutions that should open up new worlds for even seasoned calligraphers.

In short, this is a book packed with information, one that combines a contemporary "hands on" approach with a thorough knowledge of and appreciation for historical exemplars. A Book of Formal Scripts is rich with lessons for scribes of all abilities.