Vintage Type & lettering Books

The 26 Letters by: Oscar Ogg 1948

This cover stood out like a sore thumb amongst the free books at my daughters elementary school book sale. "The 26 Letters" created in 1948 by Oscar Ogg is 254 pages, beautifully printed in black & red. Once I looked into it I realized how common & well known this book once was. As a relic I find it pretty awesome.

The book provides a full but easily readable history of writing and type & is full of awesome spreads like this one.

This is another beautiful spread from the 1948 elementary school book "The 26 Letters" created by Oscar Ogg. This book summarizes the history of letters, writing & printing throughout history. My copy is a 1963 reprint in somewhat rough shape.

You can find copies of the first 1948 edition as well as the 1963 reprint fairly easily online for anywhere from a few dollars to about $50. There are even a number of autographed copies floating around out there for very reasonable prices.

Calligraphic Lettering With Pen & Brush by: Ralph Douglas 1949

My copy of this book is a 1962 reprint of the 1955 second edition. It is spiral bound for lay-flat ease of use for reference and in practice.

 The amazing thing about this book is that the text is entirely hand written in amazing calligraphy.