Italic Variants By Caliken

[katim]

I have just received my copy of Ken Fraser's new workbook entitled "Italic Variants" and I write to recommend it to all who love the Italic script.

 

The format is a very neat booklet of 37 pages in a spiral binder, with an introduction to italic (with examples) of nine pages, followed by a series of some 20 'plates', each illustrating a particular variant of the script. These are delightful - it would be hard to choose between them and there is much for the aspiring italicist to study and enjoy. Different styles, letter/ligature slopes, pen thicknesses, cursive and non-cursive variations, all are beautifully set out. And at the back of the booklet are three pages of guidelines for setting out your work, adding to the feel of a 'workbook'!

 

I have admired Caliken's work ever since joining FPN and I am delighted to see his expertise set out in such a compact and useful booklet. I hasten to add that I have no connection with him or his work other than via the pages of FPN and I write these words with the intention of assuring other members that it is well worth buying (via his website).

 

 

PS I intended to put this into the 'pinned' section at the top of this forum, but hit the wrong button. However, on reflection perhaps it's worth leaving here pro tem so that members are advised that the booklet is available now. Meanwhile, I've hit the right button and put the review where I intended it to go, for the sake of seekers after knowledge in the future, long after this particular thread has disappeared into oblivion!

Edited August 11, 2011 by katim

[caliken]

Thanks, Katim.

 

I'm glad that you like the book and are finding it useful. Thanks for taking the time to review it.

 

Ken

Edited August 11, 2011 by caliken

[HDoug]

Caliken’s "Italic Variants" is a torment! The clarity and perfection of the examples are… well, exemplary. I guess that’s the point though. Examples should be as clear and perfect as possible, and that’s what is in the book. It does make my own scribbles seem rather deformed and inadequate, but then again, the purpose of such a book is to encourage continual striving.

 

Actually, there are a number of purposely “less than perfect” examples: One, caliken’s copy of a number of every day real handwriting of others (page 10) and then, a couple of examples of his own handwriting (pages 11 and 12). His handwriting is pretty darn close to perfect, though. The example on page 12 is close to the size of my own handwriting except I can read his from much greater distance because of the structural clarity of his letter forms. And that seems to be the “secret” to his italic variants. I don’t know if it originates with him, but this is the first time I’ve seen the use of a grid that uses dual angles; one for the verticals and one for the “wedge” elements. I think it’s the consistency of angle for those elements that lends such clarity to all the variants.

 

There is much to contemplate even in what seems at first a small number of pages in this handbook. There is no “magic pill” here that will give you perfect handwriting. But if you realize that a good hand comes from understanding form and by the contemplation and practice of same, then this book is a wonderful resource. Those dedicated to carelessness should avoid this handbook and although there is much to torment the careful and observant, I have to recommend the handbook very highly.

 

Doug

Edited August 12, 2011 by HDoug

[katim]

@ HDoug

I know what you mean about 'torment'! But I think we need to know how high to aim, even if achieving equivalent results is so darned difficult! :-)

As for the two different slopes - one for the slope of the letter and one for the slope of the ligatures - I've been using a set of guides like that (I think posted here by Caliken quite a long time ago), and I think it has made a great deal of difference to my italic and become part of the way I write. It's well worth trying, though I think your own script is a model of consistency and I've been admiring the examples on your Flickr pages. Keep it up - perhaps we'll all get there one day! :-)

[caliken]

Katim & HDoug

 

The use of a dual angles grid (Letter slope & ligatures/wedge shape) is my own device. I'm not aware of it having been used or advocated elsewhere.

Thank you both again, for your interest and comments.

 

caliken

Edited August 12, 2011 by caliken

[smk]

Thanks for the review Katim.

 

I would've ordered the Copperplate and the Italic books in a heartbeat if I thought there was any chance of them actually being delivered to me in Pakistan! I'll figure something out eventually.

 

Your review and Doug's comments have increased my anticipation of the acquisition.

 

Salman

[WendyNC]

Thanks for the review and information. I just bought myself a birthday present!

[CatBookMom]

Thanks for the review. I will put Ken's book on my Books to Acquire list. ATM I'm not doing much with my italic practice.

 

ETA: Wendy, great idea! I just copied the link into an email to my DH, title: "Hint"

Edited August 12, 2011 by CatBookMom

[curiouslizard]

I just ordered my copy and can't wait to get started!

 

Thank you Ken

[sniper910]

How do i order a copy? I checked your website Ken

[caliken]

How do i order a copy? I checked your website Ken

Go to www.caliken.co.uk and at the foot of the homepage, select the item and click on "add to cart" then follow the instructions on the paypal page.

 

Thanks for your enquiry.

 

Ken

[Hetty]

I also recommend this book highly. Ken's writing is just so beautiful! It makes me feel that I will never have a good enough hand as I always see all the imperfections, but I keep practising. I sometimes trace over the letters that I have particular difficulty with to relearn the hand and finger movements.

 

Thank you so much for publishing these books, Ken.

 

Hetty

[stonezebra]

Ordered my copy yesterday thanks to these excellent reviews. Maybe it will take my mind off the heat...

[sniper910]

Thanks ken. Sorry, I didn't see your reply to that question on another thread.

[caliken]

Following several queries from those who have purchased the book, concerning the availability of the guidelines sheets, I am posting here, three jpegs of the pages for printing out.

 

Ken

 

Guidelines 1

 

Guidelines 2

 

Guidelines 3

Edited September 26, 2012 by caliken

[caliken]

I thought that I'd better resurrect this old topic, as reference is made to my old website which is now defunct. My site is now :- www.kenfrasercalligrapher.com