This is a peek into history, showing more old-fashioned lettering styles than I knew existed! It does not explain how to create them, though, so it will be most useful to someone who already has those skills.

As expected from a Dover publication, they have done an excellent job of collecting a timeless and useful resource and making it available in an effective way. In this case, Berling's 1923 collection of fonts, monograms, and even the borders and flourishes surrounding them. In addition to the plates, we have a very nice foreword giving perspective and informing about how this collection was created, why, and ways in which they were used.

Each plate has several different styles - from an old world engraver's alphabet to the elaborate art nouveau monograms. Because Berling was an engraver, there are also e.g, Greek and Hebrew alphabets with notations on them. Included with the alphabets and lettering are swirls, flourishes, graphic borders, and many examples of the various design elements in place: announcements, signs, ads, certificates, etc. There's a lot here to like in terms of inspiration and information. The author even wrote specific directions on how to hand-letter, including posture and sitting position.

Because the author went back decades in history to amass this collection, I would say that the book is notably missing the more modern 'thin' style of fonts. But that is understandable considering the collection was created in the 1920s. In all, there is a lot to love here in a collection with a huge amount of examples of lettering, alphabets, monograms, ads, certificates, and more. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

This book definitely has a large variety of art alphabets, monograms and lettering but if you are looking for an instructional book then this is not the book for you. This book is best suited for people who have a strong working knowledge of calligraphy, lettering and graphics who can then use the images as inspiration.