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Topic Guide

Best Books About calligraphy

8+ booksUpdated weeklyExpert curated

The renewed interest in hand lettering spans everything from Instagram-worthy brush pen quotes to elegant copperplate wedding invitations. These books cover the full spectrum, from accessible modern styles that forgive imperfect letterforms to traditional scripts requiring disciplined practice. Whether you want to letter chalkboard signs, address envelopes beautifully, or develop a personal artistic practice, there's an approach here for you.

Books & Affiliate Links

#TitleBest ForPriceISBN/ASINAmazon Link
1Modern Calligraphy by Molly Suber ThorpeComplete beginners$181250016320Buy on Amazon
2The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering by Valerie McKeehanChalk art enthusiasts$220761186115Buy on Amazon
3Hand Lettering 101 by ChalkfullofloveVisual learners$151944515844Buy on Amazon
4The Art of Brush Lettering by Kelly KlapsteinBrush pen users$201631593390Buy on Amazon
5Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor WintersTraditional script lovers$240486409511Buy on Amazon
6Creative Lettering and Beyond by Gabri Joy KirkendallMixed media artists$171600583970Buy on Amazon
7The Ultimate Brush Lettering Guide by Peggy DeanIntermediate artists$160399579214Buy on Amazon
8Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor WintersAdvanced practitioners$190486409589Buy on Amazon
9The Joy of Lettering by Gabri Joy KirkendallCreative exploration$211631592963Buy on Amazon
10Calligraphy Made Easy by Margaret ShepherdQuick learners$140399514503Buy on Amazon

Book Details

1. Modern Calligraphy by Molly Suber Thorpe

Molly Suber Thorpe popularized the pointed pen approach that dominates contemporary calligraphy, and this book teaches her accessible method. Rather than strict traditional letterforms, you'll develop a personal style while learning fundamental techniques. The included practice sheets and clear photographs make getting started straightforward, even with no art background.

2. The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering by Valerie McKeehan

Valerie McKeehan covers everything you need to create those Instagram-worthy chalkboard signs—from basic lettering to elaborate illustrated compositions. The book includes multiple alphabets, layout techniques, and design principles that work on chalkboards, sidewalks, or windows. It's as much a design guide as a lettering book, helping you create cohesive pieces rather than just pretty letters.

3. Hand Lettering 101 by Chalkfulloflove

This workbook format includes practice pages bound right in, so you can trace and repeat letterforms without additional supplies. The visual instruction shows exactly how strokes build into letters, making abstract concepts concrete. For learners who need to physically practice while learning theory, this interactive approach accelerates progress.

4. The Art of Brush Lettering by Kelly Klapstein

Brush pen lettering requires different techniques than pointed pen calligraphy, and Kelly Klapstein teaches the specific skills you need. The flexible brush tip responds to pressure in ways that feel foreign at first, but her systematic approach breaks down the movements. You'll progress from basic strokes to expressive script while understanding how the tool works.

5. Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor Winters

Copperplate is the elegant script of formal invitations and historical documents, requiring precise technique but producing undeniably beautiful results. Eleanor Winters' introduction covers the specialized tools, paper angles, and careful strokes that create those graceful hairlines and swells. It demands patience, but nothing else produces quite the same refined elegance.

6. Creative Lettering and Beyond by Gabri Joy Kirkendall

This book treats lettering as one element of larger creative projects, combining it with illustration, watercolor, and mixed media techniques. The collaborative authorship brings multiple perspectives and styles, showing how lettering integrates with other art forms. It's ideal for artists who want letters to complement their existing creative practice rather than stand alone.

7. The Ultimate Brush Lettering Guide by Peggy Dean

Peggy Dean's follow-up to her beginner work pushes into more advanced territory—bouncing letters, flourishes, and complex compositions. The techniques build on foundational skills to create the dynamic, expressive lettering you see from professional hand letterers. Practice pages and drills help you build the muscle memory these techniques require.

8. Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor Winters

This advanced companion to Winters' introductory book takes copperplate to professional levels. The detailed instruction covers variations, ornamental flourishes, and historical forms that elevate your work toward mastery. For calligraphers committed to traditional scripts who've completed the basics, this provides the path toward expert-level execution.

9. The Joy of Lettering by Gabri Joy Kirkendall

Rather than drilling technique, this book encourages playful experimentation with letterforms. The prompts and exercises push you to develop personal style rather than copying existing scripts. It's the book for letterers who've learned the basics and want to discover their own creative voice rather than perfect someone else's approach.

10. Calligraphy Made Easy by Margaret Shepherd

Margaret Shepherd's no-nonsense approach strips calligraphy to its essentials for learners who want results without extensive study. The book focuses on developing legible, attractive lettering quickly rather than achieving historical accuracy. It's practical training for people who need to letter signs, envelopes, or projects without becoming serious calligraphers.

Top calligraphy Books