There are countless Fountain Pen courses, tutorials, articles available online, but for some, having a book is still a necessity to learn. This is an up-to-date list of recommended books.
1. How to Draw and Write in Fountain Pen: A Modern Guide (2019)
For illustrator Ayano Usamura, her first time drawing in fountain pen was a revelation. The easy flow of ink spurred her creativity and gave character to every line. Even the simplest letters and doodles came to life! Now, with her trusty LAMY Safari in hand, Usamura shares the joy of fountain pens. You’ll learn to:…
2. The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration (2016)
This book is an adjunct to the two excellent existing repair manuals, Marshall/Oldfield and Da Book. It contains material that is often very specific to a particular pen or type of pen, but much of its information can also be applied generally to other pens. Learn what is here, extrapolate from it, and apply your new knowledge to the needs of the pen in your hands at any given moment….
3. Spencerian Handwriting: The Complete Collection of Theory and Practical Workbooks for Perfect Cursive and Hand Lettering (2016)
THE FIRST ALL-IN-ONE EDITION OF P.R. SPENCER’S CLASSIC PENMANSHIP PRIMER INCLUDING STEP-BY-STEP LESSONS AND PAGES FOR PRACTICINGEasy to understand yet challenging to perfect, the Spencerian system was the standard for all personal and business correspondence in the 1800s. While modern students are barely taught cursive, for more than a century schoolchildren were dutifully drilled in intricate penmanship using this original primer.Now you can follow the step-by-step instructions and practice on the included workbook pages to learn:• The seven Spencerian principles• Proper…
4. Fountain Pen Profiles: Wahl-Eversharp (2018)
The world of fountain pens is a big place, with room for everyone who wants to collect or use them, or both. This book is a look at a small part of that world, a “country,” so to speak, where once upon a time there were created many beautiful and functional pens. That country, the Wahl Company, came into the pen world through violence, in a way, by applying economic pressure to a smaller, weaker country whose resource, the Eversharp pencil, it wanted for its own—and took, in 1916. In this full color, generously illustrated book are profiles of eleven Wahl-Eversharp fountain pen models, from the beginning to the end in 1957,…
5. The Love Of The Ink: A Book About Fountain Pens: For Beginners: Learn All About Fountain Pens In One Day (2019)
Learn All About Fountain Pens In One Day! Why bother reading a book on fountain pens? Just a little bit of knowledge on these beautiful objects will help you select and enjoy a pen to its fullest. Take some time and learn all about the care, maintenance, and use of fountain pens in order to select one that works best for you.In a world of social media, rapid emails, and beeping phones, slow down a bit and craft your next message with art, style, and intent. Pick up this book to select your implement as you craft a message that shows caring, intent, and style….
6. Pen Turner’s Workbook, 3rd Edition Revised and Expanded: Making Pens from Simple to Stunning (Fox Chapel Publishing) 18 Pen Turning Projects, Beginner-Friendly Instructions, and Beautiful Photography (2012)
Learn how to craft exquisite pens that are both practical and beautiful! Create fine writing implements on your lathe with Pen Turner’s Workbook! If you’re looking for exciting pen turning projects and the most up-to-date information available on tools, materials, and techniques, you’ll find it all in this definitive guide. From choosing a lathe to pen turning basics and even marketing your work to sell your custom-made pens—no detail has been left out! In this completely revised and expanded third edition, author and expert pen turner Barry Gross provides new pen kits and mechanisms with up-to-date techniques, along…
7. Spencerian Penmanship (Theory Book plus five copybooks) (1985)
These copybooks lay flat and are easier to use since there is no binding to contend with. In the mid-1800’s, the Spencerian form of penmanship became a standard. An elegant handwriting was much prized. Today, in our computer age, a fine, beautiful, and legible handwriting brings a warm personal touch to our correspondence. These books, 5 copybooks and a theory book (available separately or as a set), may be used to introduce cursive writing to second or third graders or to improve the handwriting of older students or adults….
8. Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy: A Step-by-Step Manual (Lettering, Calligraphy, Typography) (2000)
Developed by English handwriting masters in the 18th century, copperplate calligraphy is admired for its fluidity and beauty. It is the most popular style for social correspondence, invitations, and other communications requiring an elegant hand. In this practical manual, a noted calligraphy teacher offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for the student. Beginning with a brief but fascinating history of copperplate, she moves quickly to an in-depth examination of the alphabet, numbers, and punctuation. Each letter is demonstrated stroke by stroke with a clear explanation….
9. Parker Pen Repair Manual (1900)
Repairing a fountain pen is not as simple as it seems. After learning the parts and mechanical characteristics of a pen through the directions in this service manual, one can quite easily remedy most ordinary complaints. Clear drawings and simple instructions are provided….
10. Studio Series Calligraphy Paper Pad: 50 Sheets (2014)
Aspiring calligraphers can build skill and confidence by practicing their lettering on this artist-grade pad of Calligraphy Paper! Comfortable to use, and ruled for practice, the pad also features a pre-printed grid for slanted lettering. This horizontal pad comes with 50 sheets of calligraphy paper. Quality 140-gsm paper takes pen and calligraphy marker beautifully. Heavyweight paper means no bleed-through. Calligraphy Paper pad measures 11 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches high (27.94 cm by 19.05 cm)….
11. Spencerian Penmanship (Theory Book) (1985)
This book explains how all the letters can be made gracefully and rapidly using various combinations of a few basic pen strokes. It explains Spencer’s philosophy of teaching principles which engage the mind as well as the hand. It also details his methods for teaching classes of children. One of these is having the children write rhythmically, in concert, as the teacher counts. The power of this method is being rediscovered today….
12. Calligraphy Kit: A complete kit for beginners (2014)
The lettering book first —such as pen styles, angles, and hand positions; letter heights and spacing; and practice strokes—before offering for rendering several calligraphic alphabets, including Sans Serif, Roman, Chancery Cursive, Uncial, Black Letter, and Batarde. Numerals are covered, as well. Every lesson can be accomplished with the array of writing materials provided. The hardcover case includes:…
13. The March of the Twenty-Six (Pen and Sword Military Classics) (2004)
Between the years 1804 and 1815, Napoleon created twenty-six Marshals of France. These men, who held the highest positions in the Empire after Napoleon himself, came from very diverse backgrounds and ranged from a smuggler to a Prince. During the years when Napoleon was conqueror of most of Europe, the Marshals acquired titles and great riches but in the end there was only one who was not to some extent corrupted by greed or ambition, and who remained loyal to the man who had elevated them all to power. This book describes their rise and fall….
14. Spencerian Copybooks 1-5, Set, without Theory Book (Spencerian Penmanship) (1985)
These copybooks lay flat and are easier to use since there is no binding to contend with. In the mid-1800’s, the Spencerian form of penmanship became a standard. An elegant handwriting was much prized. Today, in our computer age, a fine, beautiful, and legible handwriting brings a warm personal touch to our correspondence. These books, 5 copybooks (available separately or as a set), may be used to introduce cursive writing to second or third graders or to improve the handwriting of older students or adults….
15. Writing & Illuminating & Lettering (Lettering, Calligraphy, Typography) (2017)
One of the founders of modern calligraphy, Edward Johnston regarded lettering, writing, and illuminating as not only desirable ends in themselves but also as practical avenues to mastery of typography, decoration, and design. In this classic, profusely illustrated guide, he distilled his expertise into a series of easy-to-follow lessons that will benefit any student of calligraphy, book design, or art.Part I is devoted to writing and illuminating. Early chapters cover the fundamentals of acquiring a formal hand: choosing paper, ink, and quills; holding the pen; spacing and planning a manuscript; and…
Best Fountain Pen Books to Read
We highly recommend you to buy all paper or e-books in a legal way, for example, on Amazon. But sometimes it might be a need to dig deeper beyond the shiny book cover. Before making a purchase, you can visit resources like Genesis and download some fountain pen books mentioned below at your own risk. Once again, we do not host any illegal or copyrighted files, but simply give our visitors a choice and hope they will make a wise decision.
Please note that this booklist is not definite. Some books are absolutely hot items according to The New York Times, others are written by unknown authors. On top of that, you can always find additional tutorials and courses on Coursera, Udemy or edX, for example. Are there any other relevant links you could recommend? Leave a comment if you have any feedback on the list.