Chinese Calligraphy: An Introduction to Its Aesthetic and Technique

As a neophyte to Chinese calligraphy I'm finding this book to be a valuable resource. It gives a great overview of the subject as well providing a clear and concise method for practicing the techniques. It's fascinating to see how the Chinese characters have evolved as ideograms over the centuries. It has enhanced my appreciation for this art form. However, it is an introduction as stated through its title,not a substitute for instruction in my opinion. I personally plan to eventually seek out a teacher who can help me refine what learn through practicing these techniques. Conversely, I'm thrilled to have found this book and believe that it's a wonderful springboard for one to dive into this unique and beautiful art form.

As a Chinese brush painting teacher I would recommend this book to my student who start learning Chinese painting or Calligraphy. The new additional chapters in this third edition covers the historical and aesthetical relationship between Chinese calligraphy and painting as well as other art forms like seal engraving. If you, like the author(and me), are from China and teach Chinese as second language, Chinese calligraphy or Chinese art history you will definately need to have this book. BTW, I have got a Chinese version of this book too so I can compare it with the English version which helps me to learn how to teach my Chinese painting class in English. I have not found a college-level teaching book better than this one in the field.

I greatly appreciated that this text was very approachable for a layperson. Parts did feel a bit silly, but I'm not a renowned expert in Chinese calligraphy so maybe that's because I didn't get it. In general this book was what I was looking for: a basic introduction to appreciating Chinese calligraphy.

While I think the book is awfully outdated it is required for my calligraphy class and fulfills that low bar. The book arrived before the scheduled time!

Received in good condition. Almost like new. I love the book ! Have recommended to my friends.

I like this old a bit book not only because of its name value but very balanced view of auther on Chines art of calligraphy.I think this is a must have book if someone is going to study Chinese art beside the calligraphy and help understand Chinese art in general.It's proven by its 13th print in total.

A classic. I misplaced my original copy from years ago, so got this to replace it. There really aren't any calligraphy books out there that have a thoughful discussion of technique and the sample characters that he presented coincidentally corresponded mosly to those I was learning in class.

I prefer to write positive review, but this should have warnings attached. The first edition was in 1938. This is the third edition, from 1973. Then, it is the fourteenth printing. I do not know what the others looked like, but this book is not holding up well over time. The illustrations are muddled and dim, the text is not good at guiding the new calligrapher. I do not know if the text is informative regarding history, etc., but we were looking for instruction, and found this volume to be lacking.There are better choices out there. I know, because we bought something else and returned this.

A superb book on the subject, one that first drew me into calligraphy in general. The beauty and therapeutic effect of calligraphy, particularly in the context of Chinese culture, is thoroughly demystified. The examples are well chosen, and the thesis of one physical/psychological state emerges in calligraphy, which probably seems obvious to many, only really became clear through reading this book (!)Obviously, I'm a fan, but I would recommend this book as a guide to Chinese calligraphy, and an inspiration to its positive effects.

This is a history of calligraphy, describing the various styles, how the characters are formed. It also discusses Chinese painting and the origins of I Ching. There are some plates that you can cover with tracing paper/greaseproof paper for practice, but that is not what this book is designed for. I recommend it if you are new to Chinese calligraphy.

For my thesis. Very helpful

Very interesting book