Sho: Japanese Calligraphy.

Sho: Japanese Calligraphy. Christopher J. Earnshaw. Rutland, VT: Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1988. Illustrated, 173 pp., softbound, $19.95.

Subtitled An In-Depth Introduction to the Art of Writing Characters, this book provides an entry into Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, an art form that has been studied and practised for over 3,500 years. Complemented with over 300 illustrations, this publication explores extensively the techniques, history and philosophy of this disciplined art form. Included are interviews with master calligraphers, practical "how-to" explanations and examples of standard script, semi-cursive script and oriental syllabary. In depth descriptions of inks, brushes and papers complement discussions of form and technique. In addition, the author presents calligraphy as rewarding not just on an artistic level, but also in a spiritual sense.