The Eternal Letter: Two Millennia of the Classical Roman Capital (Codex Studies in Letterforms)

This book, edited by Paul Shaw and beautifully designed by Linda Florio, is a feast visually and historically. Despite one's resolve to start at the beginning and move through the serving line sequentially, it is impossible not to explore what's being offered on other pages. With contributions by Matthew Carter, Lance Hidy, Frank Blokland, Ewan Clayton and others, there is so much to be tempted by. One comes across a stunning full page black-and-white photograph of Father Edward M. Catich standing near the top two rungs of a wooden ladder, leaning out, reaching over, making rubbings of the Trajan Inscription; a frozen moment in time. It's almost as though Father Catich is anointing the Holy Grail. And that's just one page! The Eternal Letter has 260 pages in all, and on another you'll find a meaty serving of types and calligraphy by Hermann Zapf and on yet another a lavish presentation of the calligraphic virtuosity of John Stevens.The Eternal Letter provides an historic context for a letterform that, for over 2000 years, has not only endured, but ultimately prevailed in a day and age when fonts are spewed out daily like cat litters. The book is rich with pictorial examples and insightful commentary about the eternal Roman majuscule and its offshoots, which range in application from stone to ink to pixels. Shaw's editing and scholarship is impeccable and surely cements his credentials as one of the world's leading authorities on the subject. This book is a must for the library of anyone interested in the expressive qualities of great calligraphy and typography.Thomas Lincoln, designer

The book is packed with images, accompanied by informative text on the history and formation of Roman letters. Among the best books I've found on the topic. A valued addition to my library, one I will read from cover-to-cover.

I have never found such a great overview of the history, use and current issues in the creation, study and use of the Roman Capital... as this book. As an architect I've toyed with geometric construction of the Roman Capitals for several years working from old lettering books and architectural manuals. They never "worked." I found Father Edward Catich's book " The Origin of the Serif: Brush Writing & Roman Letters" years ago and it is good...but this book really takes the subject in hand (pun intended). Lots of sources (nicely listed under Further Reading... in the back of the book) and avenues for further study. Good, high quality images. This may not be sold as a "picture book" suitable for the coffee table, yet the quality and number of images could give you that impression. Don't worry, there is plenty of writing and thinking done between the images. If you're an expert in type design or lettering you may not need this volume .....the rest of us will love it for the solid writing, editing, and directions it steers us in.

Sumptuous in every way. This book arrived just before I headed into Newport, R.I., to interview Nick Benson, owner of The John Stevens Shop, a stone carving business that opened in 1705. Nick's shop, it's history and its approach to letterforms, is featured prominently in the book. Great big photographs of Nick's grandfather, John Howard Benson, and of Nick and his father, John Everett Benson. This book is an absolute treasure. Before I left that day, I asked Nick, a world-renowned​ calligrapher, to sign his name inside the book. You would not believe how gorgeous.

what a page turner! "...two millennia of the classical roman capital..." rome? no - two millennia of the classical roman capital letter!who would have thought that a book of essays & extraordinary images devoted to upper case roman letters of the alphabet could be a page turner but it surely is.every page, every letter and image a real cliff hanger of intelligence and beauty.a really good view and read.r.d.

The Eternal Letter is a marvelous, detailed exploration of Roman capitals, by those who have written them, carved them, and know their place in the western calligraphic tradition. Many usually bypassed aspects of the letters are detailed. It's a wonderful study in itself and a very important addition to any calligrapher's or typographer's resources.

Incredibly well-researched, edited. Absolutely the best recent book on Roman Capitals, both history and development, and modern applications/usage, providing excellent perspective. Read thoroughly before visiting Rome to make the whole city more meaningful. Bravo Paul Shaw et all!

Amazing information and good visuals. Great value!

A book celebrating the life of the Trajan capital, with copious illustrations and an informed text? Yes, please...And now that I have it, iives up to expectations. Cannot recommend it enough!

Tanto si te gusta la tipografía como la caligrafía, este es un fantástico libro sobre la madre de todas las letras.

A really amazing book!

Great book, loads of photographs and Roman Scripts. Can't stop looking through the pages. Excellent