Mastering Brush Roman Capitals by John Stevens

My review of John Stevens’ book is written from a rather unique perspective. I began my career as a sign writer in the late 1960’s, that makes me an old-timer. I have taught brush lettering, both in oils and tempera, and have trained many sign writers. Additionally, as a stone carver, I am intimately familiar with John’s historical and practical approach to Mastering Brush Roman Capitals. So I believe that I am qualified to say that this book is, cover to cover, outstanding in every detail. Aesthetically, it is gorgeous, instructionally it is without equal. I like John’s Palette Musts and Paletting on pages 18 and 19. This is where many fail at their first attempts at brush lettering. If the student can get the paint consistency right and the brush properly loaded, the chances of success are in the students favor. If you are a calligrapher interested in experiencing the magic of brush lettering, get this book. You will be pleased that you did.

This book is a must-have if you are interested in Roman calligraphy. This style is a tricky one, especially regarding the movement and rotation of the brush, and the author puts a lot of effort into being precise and pedagogical. A great book!

Lovely book with directions for brushes, paper, paint, how to load brushes, and then each letter is beautifully laid out with instructions. Excellent book for someone familiar with Romans to learn brush Romans. It is so much fun to use paint and a brush for lettering! Excellent book, great investment!

My friend like this book so much they want another one. I will be ordering today. Beautiful and was worth the wait.

An extraordinary explanation of how to make the roman capitals.... so detailed!!! I´m so glad to have bought the book, despite the fact that the book is in english and I am dutch speaking. Thank you John Stevens!

Long awaited, this book does not disappoint, nor does it leave any stone unturned in explaining the details of brush roman capitals. John's (almost) lifetime experience with the brush and Roman capitals is shared freely, and any calligrapher can benefit from the study he provides. The book is excellent, as is John.

Mr.Stevens has done a magnificent job with this book, explaining in detail the subtleties of Roman Capital, the proper use of the brush and various alphabets to master the art of Trajan's column

Excellent

well done the spiral to keep it flat during the study

John Stevens' new book on brush roman capitals arrived this past week. I am happy to tell you that it is well worth the wait!. The different colors for the different strokes is a great idea for showing how they meet and overlap. And the lie-flat binding is a wonderful addition—I wish some of my cookbooks were bound that way.