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 (Japanese), Thuluth (Arabic), Ü-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.