The first book in its field to be published in over 40 years, SPENCERIAN SCRIPT & ORNAMENTAL PENMANSHIP is the most comprehensive text ever written on these American styles of handwriting. This 600 page, two-volume set represents a five-year effort by the author to present in a single work: the most thorough instructional section on the techniques of writing such decorative penmanship; the largest collection of plates ever assembled for publication (400 pages), representing works by America's 19th & early 20th century writing masters; & an extensive historical account of America's Golden Age of Ornamental Penmanship. The two-volume spiral-bound format allows the reader to view the manuscript & plates side by side. Volume One consists of eight chapters & four appendices, including: Penmanship in a New Land, Styles of Penmanship, Tools & Equipment, Technique, Lowercase & Capital Letters, Signature Writing, The Golden Age of Ornamental Penmanship, Penman's Hall of Fame, The Poems of Platt Rogers Spencer, Sources for Supplies & historical reproductions of original designs for oblique penholders. Numerous diagrams & illustrations throughout. Volume Two (the plates) is divided into the following sections: Penmanship of Platt Rogers Spencer, Letterforms, Correspondence Writing, Novelty Styles, Signature Writing & Off-Hand Flourishing.