Modern Calligraphy

The book that helped launch the modern calligraphy movement. Molly Suber Thorpe’s debut breaks pointed pen calligraphy down into clear, approachable steps, covering everything from choosing the right supplies to developing your own distinctive lettering style.

Why Start Here

This is where Thorpe’s teaching career began, and it remains the clearest introduction to modern pointed pen calligraphy available. The book starts with a thorough guide to supplies, explaining exactly which nibs, inks, and papers work best and why. From there, you learn the fundamental strokes that form the building blocks of every letter, then progress to full alphabets, word connections, and decorative flourishes.

What makes Thorpe’s approach distinctive is her emphasis on personal style. She does not teach a single “correct” alphabet. Instead, she shows how small variations in stroke weight, letter spacing, and baseline consistency create entirely different feels. Over 260 color photographs guide you through each technique, making it easy to see exactly what your work should look like.

The practical projects in the final chapters, from envelope addressing to gift tags, give you real reasons to practice. Named an Amazon Favorite Craft Book in 2013 and translated into Spanish and Chinese, the book has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to modern calligraphy.

What to Expect

A 192-page guide that balances instruction with inspiration. The learning curve is gentle, starting with basic strokes and building steadily toward complete lettering projects. You will need a pen holder, pointed nibs, ink, and smooth paper. Thorpe’s detailed supply recommendations make it easy to get started without guesswork. Most readers see real progress within the first week of practice. The book is best suited for complete beginners who want a focused path into pointed pen calligraphy specifically.