from The Anatomy of Letters by Charles Pearce
Pictographs are too clunky and ideograms are too confusing. Aren't we glad we have the 26 character alphabet? The above chart gives an insight into how the modern western alphabet evolved.
Our characters came from the middle east as did our numerals. Thanks to the folk in India, we even have the concept of zero, which makes the modern US budget easier to understand.
Our language is about 92% German by way of the Norman invasion of Great Britain. The rest is a smattering of the ROMANce languages, Greek, Nordic and a few modern introductions.
Our serifed fonts are based on the Roman style of inscribing stones. One strong theory is that the serif was used by the stonemasons to allow their sharp metal chisels to gain a start into the rocks they were engraving.
Sans serif letters are efficient and just drop the elegant entry and exit strokes.
You can decide for yourself if you find the serifed letters easier to read or not.
You can decide for yourself if you find the serifed letters easier to read or not.
See. You decide about the reading. Serifed letters are definitely easier to write. The entry and exit strokes make writing much easier when using any sharp-edged pen. The challenge to the calligrapher is to make those strokes with consistency.
That consistency comes with perfect practice and learning to see what you are doing.
Jump into the new class forming through Wake Tech. Class begins September 3 at Apex High School, 6:30-9:30 pm. Contact the Evening Division of the Continuing Education Department of Wake Tech for more information. The main number there is 866-5000 and my supervisor is Duncan Shaw and his number is 866-5820. Set your mind to this and let’s get together for some learning fun!
