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All auctions / Books, Maps & Manuscripts / [First Edition] Illumination for Modern Calligraphers...

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Published in New York by Watson-Guptill in 1988, this is the first edition, first printing of Christopher Jarman's Illumination for Modern Calligraphers, a richly illustrated guide to the revival and practice of decorative manuscript illumination. Drawing on nineteenth-century source material inspired by medieval and Renaissance traditions, the book presents a wide array of ornamental alphabets, borders, and motifs reproduced in full color and line. Designed as both a practical manual and visual reference, it offers step-by-step instruction in techniques such as gilding, outlining, and color application, alongside historically grounded design principles. Issued in oblong format with decorative boards and matching dust jacket, the volume reflects Watson-Guptill's strong reputation for high-quality art and craft publishing. The interior includes numerous plates derived from European manuscript traditions - Carolingian, Byzantine, and Gothic - making it particularly appealing to calligraphers, designers, and students of the book arts. The layout is both instructional and visually engaging, balancing practical guidance with historically inspired design. Condition is Near Fine in a Very Good dust jacket. The book is clean and structurally sound, with light handling wear and a minor stain visible to one interior page. Notably, there is an ownership stamp reading 'Jim Norwell Calligraphy' on the title page - an appropriate and thematically relevant provenance mark that adds character without detracting from usability. The dust jacket shows mild edge wear and light rubbing but remains intact and attractive, with the original price ($27.50) present. Christopher Jarman was a British calligrapher and educator associated with the Roehampton Institute in London and active within the Society of Scribes and Illuminators. His work emphasized the practical application of historical manuscript traditions in modern calligraphy, and his instructional books have remained widely used by students and practitioners of the craft.
Estimate:$39.95
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Estimate:
$39.95
LIBRO FACSÍMIL BOCCACCIO DECAMERONE, TRADOTTO IN FRANCESE (COD. PAL.
10/05/2026
$123.77
Est: $283.51

OCT 8 | 3:00 PM

OCT 8 | 3:00 PM

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TINTINS ÄVENTYR / ENHÖRNINGENS HEMLIGHET, första svenska upplagan 1961.
10/05/2026
$50
Est: $99.6
Certificate for a silver medal at the Olympic Games in London, 1948.
10/05/2026

$660.76
Est: $611.46
EINAR NERMAN. "Komedianter- Musikanter och annat löst folk", Norstedt
10/05/2026

$30
Est: $59.76