Kirsten Burke's Secrets of Modern Calligraphy: An inspirational workbook to develop your lettering skills, with 7 exclusive art cards to pull out and treasure. (Kirsten Burke Calligraphy)

Christmas present, she was well pleased with book.

Really impressed by this little book. It is very clearly written, and takes us through 'Modern Calligraphy' simply and with excellent scope for practice. I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting and was engrossed. Sadly, the first page had already confirmed to me that I'd purchased the wrong book. It defined 'Modern Calligraphy' as using a pointed nib. I should have looked more closely at the cover to have realised that was not what I had wanted. I was looking for an reminder of the 'italic' writing with a flat nib that I was taught (many decades ago) at school, and this wasn't it! My fault. However, if I was looking to learn calligraphy with a pointed nib, I wouldn't look anywhere else but this book - it was excellent. (The lack of the 5th star is my fault, not the book's! If anyone can point me in the right direction now, then I'd be interested).

"Modern Calligraphy" in this sense is a curious beast: Basically Copperplate Calligraphy which dispenses with the Copperplate guide ruling of base line, header line, ascenders and descenders and substitutes simpler ruling covering lower case and Capital lettering. Thus in my opinion it's more handwriting than Calligraphy. Indeed when using the nib and constructing letters is mastered it can be written freehand on simple ruled paper.The book itself spends a lot of time teaching the use of the pen/nib and teaching the construction of the letters. It's both an instructional book and a write-in work book and that's where its value lies. The book mainly lies flat and the paper is acceptable for the pointed nib although not the best I've used. Personally I would add to the list of recommended list of nibs with the  Curtisward Wood Dip Pen Holder With Brause Steno Nib. For Fine Artist Ink Drawing & Writing.  which is much more flexible and less scratchy than the recommended Leonardt 30.Overall, I gave it 3 stars based on "Calligraphy" in the title because it's not Calligraphy as I know it. Well yes, it's "Modern Calligraphy"! For absolute beginners who have not yet learned how to use the pointed nib of Copperplate or those who want to learn a more informal Calligraphy or indeed those who want to improve their handwriting this book will be invaluable. But those who want to learn "real" Calligraphy including Copperplate should avoid this book and look elsewhere.

I had assumed ‘modern calligraphy’ meant with felt tip pens shaped to imitate calligraphy lines, which would have been fine, but Kirsten Burke defines modern calligraphy as simply having a more fluid, relaxed style. It’s a style I like - still using traditional calligraphy fountain pens but without the strict rules on measurements and slant that put me off the art many years ago.Kirsten explains in simple terms how to use a nib, explaining things that were never taught to me when I used fountain pens at school! She moves on to lettering styles, etc. Personally, I feel that the ‘bounce’ style goes a little too far, making a few words barely legible, but that’s just personal taste and doesn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book.It’s to strict or boring - it’s creative, fun, and exciting. Finally, I feel able to produce calligraphy without the pain and frustration of strict rules. I highly recommend this book!

Absolutely beautiful book - the colours and illustrations are amazing! Taught the basics of calligraphy and I thoroughly enjoyed using it. However - the book says several times to do the exercises straight from the book - do not do this if you are using a dip pen as the paper is too smooth and slippery and it completely ruins the page on the opposite side as it leaks through.

A beautiful book BUT don’t be tempted to do the exercises on the book pages with a nib pen and ink as the paper is too thin and the bleed through spoils the reverse of the page. I used the pen and ink from Kirsten’s kit rather than anything else. It’s still a beautiful book and the projects are lovely, just don’t be tempted to do them in the book, unless you don’t mind ending up with a disappointing mess.

This is an excellent book along with the lessons on you tube and Instagram by the Modern Calligraphy Company I am thoroughly enjoying learning this wonderful skill. The book is very informative and easy to use. I really recommend this book

I bought this product recently and I am pleased with how beautifully the book is presented and written. The only downside for me is that the paper bleeds which makes the book once it is filled in look messy.This aside, I think it is a good book for learning the art of modern calligraphy!