Behind the Brushstrokes: Appreciating Chinese Calligraphy

Rating:
Summary: entertaining anecdotes set this book apart
Review: Behind the Brushstrokes is a delightful introduction to Chinese calligraphy. What sets this book apart is how it's entertaining anecdotes about famous calligrapher personalities, from ten dynasties and the PRC, help to bring this ancient and beautiful art form to life. As well, the history of calligraphy back to the earliest forms of writing from pictographic characters to the major styles of script still in use today are all touched on. The section on appreciating Chinese calligraphy is short and without illustration, but gets across well the essence. A number of black and white illustrations are presented elsewhere in the book to show styles of writing, calligraphy tools, and methods, among other things. Other interesting sections include Chinese calligraphy in the world today, and Chinese calligraphy and other arts. All in all, an accessible and enjoyable introduction to one of the great art forms of Asia.

Rating:
Summary: entertaining anecdotes set this book apart
Review: Behind the Brushstrokes is a delightful introduction to Chinese calligraphy. What sets this book apart is how it's entertaining anecdotes about famous calligrapher personalities, from ten dynasties and the PRC, help to bring this ancient and beautiful art form to life. As well, the history of calligraphy back to the earliest forms of writing from pictographic characters to the major styles of script still in use today are all touched on. The section on appreciating Chinese calligraphy is short and without illustration, but gets across well the essence. A number of black and white illustrations are presented elsewhere in the book to show styles of writing, calligraphy tools, and methods, among other things. Other interesting sections include Chinese calligraphy in the world today, and Chinese calligraphy and other arts. All in all, an accessible and enjoyable introduction to one of the great art forms of Asia.