On Calligraphy / the Art of Writing, with 15 engraved plates.

Charles Paillasson:

L'arte di scrivere tratta dal dizionario d'arti e mestieri dell'enciclopedia metodica.

Padua, nella Stamperia del Seminario, appresso Niccolo' Bettinelli, 1808. 4to. (29 x 22 cms.) 56 pp. + 15 engraved plates, of which 13 folding. Bound without the leaf ”Avviso al lettore”.

An attractive calligraphy and handwriting manual. First published in 1796 and based on Paillasson's L'art de l'ecriture, which formed part of the Diderot's Encyclopédie, this is the second Italian edition. Contains a description of the instruments of writing (inks, paper, etc.) and a brief history of writing systems followed by detailed annotations to the engraved plates. The two first plates demonstrate the correct writing position and how to hold the hand. Further plates illustrate how to cut the quill, how to make the basic strokes in different writing styles, etc. The plates are taken from a French version of this work.

Contemporary full marbled sheep, covers ruled with floral border, spine gilt and with title label.