- Stock: In Stock
- Model: BK-ZANERIAN-MANUAL-ALPHABETS-ENGROSSING-1918
The most famous American lettering manual, as an instant download.
The Zanerian Manual of Alphabets and Engrossing (1918) by C. P. Zaner is the most famous American lettering and engrossing manual of its era — the Zanerian master course in ornamental alphabets, engrossing script, and fine pen work. The essential companion to any Speedball or sign-painter’s shelf.
Inside this 1918 pattern-book:
A pattern-book of letterforms: ornamental alphabets and initials collected for working craftsmen, not scholars. Lettering artists, sign painters, engravers, and calligraphers laying out signs, engravings, or illuminated work will find 146 pages of 1918 inspiration in C. P. Zaner’s plates. Trace the plates at full size, then adapt the capitals to your own layouts — that is what they were drawn for.
Complete your shelf: See also Alphabets Old and New (1906), The Book of Ornamental Alphabets, Ancient & Modern (1860), Mediaeval Alphabets and Initials for Illuminators (1886).
Details:
- Complete 1918 edition scan — 144 pages
- The Zanerian master course in alphabets and engrossing
- Ornamental script and fine pen-work plates
- Plates drawn at working scale — trace, adapt, and letter from them
- Ornamental, Roman, and medieval hands in one reference
- Initials and borders for illuminated and decorative work
- Two files included: the original scan, cleaned of dust, stray marks, and handwritten notes, and a cleaned white-background edition that's easy on the eyes and the printer
- PDF format, instant download after purchase — no physical book ships
