The Complete Engraver: Monograms, Crests, Ciphers, Seals, and the Etiquette of Social Stationery
Category: Books,Crafts, Hobbies & Home,Crafts & Hobbies
The Complete Engraver: Monograms, Crests, Ciphers, Seals, and the Etiquette of Social Stationery Details
Review " Filled with beautiful images... some of the notes on etiquette are pretty amusing... and some are quite useful." -- Bust magazine"While many designers enjoy the letterpress renaissance, Nancy champions the more involved process of metal engraving. The results can be transcendent: intricate, expressive work imbued with very fine hatching, capable of subtle figural beauty." -- Uppercase"Today, Nancy Sharon Collins brings crisp wit and undying love to one of history's most spirited printing processes. As the letterpress revival grips designers in its leaden thrall, we might ready ourselves to receive engraving's lighter touch." - Ellen Lupton"Known for her luxurious stationery designs, which are witty, chic and thoughtful...Collins is something of a crusader for the art of engraving, and her fervor has produced a lively book called The Complete Engraver." -- T: The New York Times Style Magazine"An approachable, interesting, and compelling read... Collins is erudite. The Complete Engraver is a welcome addition to the canon of design history." -- I Love Typography"A wonderful surprise of a book... a terrific introduction to the terminology and processes that can seem complicated to those who were raised in a primarily digital design environment... abundantly illustrated and [Collins's] timeline of engraving, from Gutenberg (who dabbled in copperplate engraving) to today's specialty engravers is clear and useful." -- Fine Books & Collections Read more
Reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Complete Engraver." More than that, I loved seeing all of the examples Nancy Collins shared with her readers. I expected this to be more technically written than it is. Rather, it is very accessible for those of us who secretly (or not so secretly) long for the not so distant past, when letters were the social and business means of communication. More than that, she makes engraving personal, and her interests, sensibilities, and expertise show throughout. "The Complete Engraver" leads us through the history of engraving, its uses, the fine design it allows, and of course the etiquette of social stationery. I learned a lot and am richer for reading the book and viewing the graphics and typefaces.Ms. Collins clearly loves the subject of engraving and the tactile enjoyment that comes from fine monograms, crests, ciphers, and seals. Her interest and expertise in design shine through in every detail, down to the very complete notes and typeface she chose for the book. If you have interest in the history of type and engraving, and in the history of social media, read this book.
