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YouTube

Years of the Western Alphabet

The Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts via YouTube

Overview

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Explore the evolution of calligraphy in this comprehensive lecture and demonstration covering 3500 years of the Western Alphabet. Journey through time from Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Cuneiform to modern-day scripts, witnessing the development of writing systems and their cultural impacts. Learn about the confluence of ancient scripts in the Levant, the adoption by Greeks, and the progression of Roman writing styles. Observe real-time demonstrations of historical scripts, including Republican Capitals, Square Capitals, Rustics, and various book hands. Discover the influence of societal changes on writing, from Roman society to the Renaissance and mercantile trade. Gain insights into the technical aspects of calligraphy, such as ruling pen techniques and the development of bilinear scripts. This in-depth exploration provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the rich history and artistry behind the Western Alphabet.

Syllabus

Intro
Writing System
Egyptian Hieroglyphs
cuneiform
the confluence
the development of writing
cunus marks
writing systems
upside down systems
greeks
roman writing
lapidary
republican capitals
roman society
republican capital
square capital
rustics
book hands
unshell scripts
bilinear scripts
pointed anglosaxon minuscule
caroline minuscule
the f
the m
the Renaissance
mercantile trade
ruling pen

Taught by

The Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts

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