Books on Calligraphy and Handwriting
Practical guides, workbooks, and long-form writing on learning to write by hand
I’ve written a body of books and workbooks devoted to calligraphy and handwriting—shaped by years of daily practice, teaching, and study of historical letterforms. Two bestselling titles focus on learning modern calligraphy, moving from foundational strokes through advanced techniques. Other books explore handwriting more broadly, including workbooks on modern cursive, fancy penmanship, and brush lettering, along with an alphabet coloring book for practicing ornate letters.
My forthcoming book, Handwriting: How Writing by Hand Connects Us to Each Other and Ourselves (W. W. Norton, 2027) is different. Drawing on scientific research, cultural history, and my own personal reflection, I examine how the act of writing by hand shapes our thoughts, memory, and identity—and what stands to be lost if we let handwriting recede from our daily life. I will share updates on Handwriting’s release here and through my newsletter as the publication process progresses.
Learn Pointed Pen Calligraphy
Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in Script Calligraphy
In the first book to teach modern pointed pen calligraphy, I break down the learning process into simple steps. With 180 pages of instructions and 260 photos and illustrations, this will guide you from the very beginning. Translated into Spanish and Chinese; Amazon Favorite Craft Book (2013). View the book.
Mastering Modern Calligraphy: Beyond the Basics
Take your pointed pen skills to the next level by developing your own modern style. This book includes thousands of letterforms and ligatures, along with drills, warm-ups, flourishes, and simple words and phrases for focused practice. View the book.
Improve Your Handwriting
Modern Cursive Handwriting Workbook Series
Master the fundamentals of cursive handwriting through step-by-step instructions and targeted exercises. Modern Cursive Handwriting is a comprehensive guide to script penmanship for adults and teens, with beginner-friendly directions, targeted exercises, and guided practice pages. The two companion workbooks are for continued practice with smaller writing of longer compositions. All three are available as Procreate workbooks for iPad, too. View the series.
The Artful Pen: A Handwriting Workbook
Learn a flourished cursive style inspired by Spencerian calligraphy. View the book.
Explore Decorative Lettering and Flourishes
Trace-to-Learn Workbook Series
A set of workbooks for building brush lettering and flourishing skills by tracing and then drawing freehand. Animal Flourishes Workbook includes 15 calligraphic animal illustrations, to create with any kind of lettering pen. Short Phrases Lettering Workbook presents bite-sized brush lettering practice with brush pens or markers. Christmas Greetings Workbook contains 28 festive phrases you can recreate for cards and gifts while learning letter shapes and connections. All three are available as Procreate workbooks for iPad, too.
Decorative Alphabets: A Coloring Book of Letters and Borders
Color to learn! This is a coloring book for creatives of all ages with traceable alphabets and ornate illustrations. View the book.
Start a Calligraphy Business
The Calligrapher’s Business Handbook: Pricing and Policies for Lettering Artists
This handy guide answers the most frequently asked questions about the freelance business side of calligraphy. View the book.