The Universal Penman

About this book

"Very welcome . . . magnificent." Graphis "A valuable addition for art directors." Advertising Age This is the only complete edition available of one of the most famous and most useful books of commercial art ever printed. George Bickham a noted engraver and calligrapher first compiled this work back in the 1740s from the best specimens of 24 of the leading calligraphers of his day. Unfortunately Bickham published his work in 52 separate parts over a period of eight years. In Bickhams own day it was difficult to get a complete set of the Universal Penman; today apart from this edition it is virtually impossible for most surviving 18th-century copies lack certain rare plates. This Dover edition however contains every plate which Bickham engraved and each is reproduced from an original so remarkably clear that these modern plates are actually better than most 18th-century originals. This book contains more than 210 full-page plates each crammed full of beautiful and interesting material. To list only part of its contents: Over 125 pictorial scenes clear copperplates of drinking scenes family scenes commerce rustic festivities duels more. Over 200 script pictures male and female heads busts cherubs griffins birds fish etc. 19 complete alphabets: round hand round text Old English florid foliated and others. 275 lettered specimens overlaid with fine flourishes swirls spirals featherings volutes etc. Over 100 panels frames cartouches and other effects Over 950 lettered specimens with thousands of words that can be lifted right off for reproduction. Individual items in this book are permission-free and may be used (up to ten items per use) without permission payment or credit line. Calligraphers find Bickham the best source for English round-handwriting; commercial artists advertising directors and designers all find Bickham first-rate as a source for immediately usable pictures and script that suggests antiquity quality and reliability. Craftspeople have found it rich in unusual ideas and motifs while libraries and art historians find it a wonderful collection of 18th-century pictures illustrating art-life.