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CONTENTS:
    PART I: GROUNDWORK
    1. Background - From a brief history of lettering to light and shadow.
    2. Setting up - From tools to safety.
    3. The process of lettercarving - 
      From rough sketches to costing and common mistakes.

    PART II: INCISED LETTERING

    1. About incised lettering - Key terms and information, from 'stab cuts' to 'root lines'.
    2. Incised lettering exercises - Exercise plan. Learn the skill of incising letters thoroughly, with 23 progessive exercises working from straight to curved letters, and combinations.
    3. Modern roman: Individual Letters - In detail.

    Part III: RAISED LETTERING

    1. About Raised Lettering - Key terms and information, from backgrounds to finishing.
    2. Raised Lettering Exercises - Exercise plan. Learn the skill of carving raised letters thoroughly, with seven progessive exercises on basic techniques and seven on sample letters and texturing backgrounds.

    PART IV: LETTERFORM

    1. Layout - How to set about this vital aspect of lettercarving.
    2. Letter Styles - Carvable with the practice tools: Trajan roman; lowercase roman; versal; uncial; gothic.

    PART V: PROJECTS

    1. Incised Lettering ProjectsInscripted post; house sign; lettered bowl; small table; dry transfer lettering.
    2. Raised Lettering ProjectsLarge, simple sign; breadboard; name stamp; carved and lettered sign.

    PART VI: RESOURCES

Book Cover
Extracts from Book Reviews:

"Chris Pye is an accomplished carver, it is true, but he is also a great communicator. Easily the best way to learn anything is to watch someone do it, and Chris's books come as close to that experience as possible without actually sitting on his shoulder.
  ... for those who wish to acquire the useful skill of lettercarving... this practical course in printed form is an essential tools."
Furniture & Cabinetmaking

"Chris Pye does it again. With the impeccable style of his former books, he has created a teaching package that is both comprehensive and easy to follow.
  Chris has been successful in blending good practical instruction with well researched background...if you are in any way serious about lettercutting, beginner or experienced, do not even hesitate."
Ray Gonzalez - Woodcarving

 If you know this book and would like to write your own review or comment, please contact me. Your review may be added to a page of Readers' Reviews.
This book has, at its heart, a well-tried, structured course. Work through the progressive series of exercises and you will end with a strong grounding in lettercarving skills, in several styles of lettering. Besides lettering being facinating in its own right, there is the bonus that such tool skills will transfer to your other carving; and are readily marketable.
  Chris Pye
 letter 'B'

Practice letter from chapter 5 combining straight and curved elements

 Try these...

  Can you come up with the 3C's of well designed and executed lettering? How about 6 characteristics of a good letterform for carving?
  What is an 'uncial'? Would you eat it, or measure with it? To which English word is it related?
  'Optical adjustment' - is this: (a) having your eyes tested (b) something to do with snail tracks(c) important?

 The answer to these questions (pages 5, 6, 182 & 169), and many more, are in this book!

 

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