I think that condensed italic is an interesting deviation from the conventional form and is quite attractive as an alternative in its own right, and not merely a distortion.

At first sight, it looks like the letters are just squashed up together, but it isn't quite as simple as that. To produce the steep hairline ligatures and internal shapes of the letters, the nib edge is turned more anti-clockwise than is usual, which can feel a little awkward at first. However, there are no further hand or pen manipulations and the letters are formed in the normal way - but narrower.

This was written at a 5 degree slope with a Manuscript italic F nib. The width of the top line of writing was 113mm.

Does anyone share my liking for this variation?

I like it

Very nice, easy to read with excellent line variation. Has a lot of character. Is it easy to write with speed?

I believe that it is easier to write at speed than normal italic, as the hand takes longer to travel horizontally across the page.

Also, with a non-edged nib, the manipulation for ligatures wouldn't be necessary, and that would speed things up a bit.

Hi,

I like it a lot. It is very easy to read and looks easy enough to write. When I have time I will have to try it myself.

Thank you and have a great day!!

James E. Merritt

Seeing this (and others) really makes me want to try my hand at it.

I have taken art classes and done some drawing, and my mom used to do a lot of calligraphy; so I might have apptitude for it.

I suppose it is just a matter of picking up some books and pens and trying!

James :

It started off as a hobby, developed into a serious interest and eventually, became my full-time self-employment.
Calligraphy is great fun and very satisfying as it all gradually comes together. Go for it!!

I like it very much, but in my general ignorance of differences in form, I'm not sure I can distinguish how it's different from normal italic. Would it be possible to post a picture of "normal" and "condensed" side by side?

(I feel like those people who say they can't distinguish the shades of blue in different ink....which by the way I'm not too good at either )

I like the condensed version (although I'm just barely and recently familiar with the italic style), and it is very beautifully rendered, but something about that non-matching style for the halves of the 'W' itches slightly on my overly-pedantic personality - particularly the one pointed and one curved "rebound" at the bottom.

This is quite possibly more from lack of familiarity with that style of letter than anything else - please don't let it influence you, that itch is almost certainly an indication my rusty brain is learning to appreciate something new.

Regards, Myles.

limesally :
Here's a comparison of condensed and normal italic writing.
The small lettering is the same height in both examples to make the comparison easier.
Thanks for your interest

caliken

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Your point regarding the use of that particular 'W' is interesting. I can't remember where I picked that up from - it certainly isn't original on my part. I have a feeling that its origins are in an 18th century copperplate script, but I'm sure that I've also seen it in a font somewhere.

I feel that it works well with conventional italic and its 'quirkiness' makes you look twice! However, this is very subjective and you could well be right!

caliken

difficult for me to read to cramped

I like it will have to have a play.

Thanks for the comparison photos, Caliken!

So, I sat down to give it a try. Wow, it is actually quite challenging to do, I kept reverting back to my normal spacing. But I am very much a non-expert and lack practice, in any case. I'll play with it more later.

I really like the W, actually. I like that unexpected change of direction!

I agree!! I dabbled in calligraphy in high school 26 years ago then got away from it. About 5 years ago I got interested again and took a class. I get distracted by other things all the time and don't devote much time to it though I try to bring a pen to work and mess around when I have time.

I have several sets of calligraphy fountain pens, dips pens and various sizes of nibs, a nice place to work but never seem to have time or take the time. But I do ok at my skill level when I do practice. I especially like the Parallel Pens and have a whole set and various colors of ink. Maybe I could combine my writing, music, and calligraphy together...hmmm..... Someday I will post something and let others comment.

Have a great day and lets all keep writing!!!

James E. Merritt

James :
It has really made my day to think that I may (in some small way) have helped to reawaken your interest in calligraphy.
Somehow, we can always find the time to do the things we really want to do. Music and calligraphy are marvellous ways of relaxing, and both show tangible results of practice. I look forward to seeing your post, when you are ready!

Ken

James :

I found this from my distant past - one way of combining an interest in music and calligraphy!

However, this index I wrote out for a book of music, isn't very calligraphic - more like my normal hand at the time.

Caliken

As always, beautiful work, caliken. That Condensed Italic is very cool. Keep posting !

More stunning work from you, caliken I have been studying your offerings and can state [in no uncertain terms] that my handwriting has noticeably improved in the space of a few weeks.

Thank you, alexanderino. I am delighted to have been of some help.
caliken