Complete Engraver A Guide to Monograms Crests Ciphers Seals & the Etiquette & History of Social Stationery

In this age of emails, texts, and instant messages, receiving a letter has become a rare treat. Engraved stationery can make a piece of correspondence, whether a short note, formal letter, or business card, even more special. Once an integral part of social life, the use of engraved stationery has become a lost art. In The Complete Engraver, author Nancy Sharon Collins brings this venerable craft to life-from the history and etiquette of engraved social stationery in America to its revival and promise of new visual possibilities. Illustrated with gorgeous, original specimens of social stationery, calling cards, and monograms, The Complete Engraver also includes an instructional section that walks the reader through the engraving process and the steps required to commission engraving work today.

" Filled with beautiful images... some of the notes on etiquette are pretty amusing... and some are quite useful." -- Bust magazine

"While many designers enjoy the letterpress renaissance, Nancy champions the more involved process of metal engraving. The results can be transcendent: intricate, expressive work imbued with very fine hatching, capable of subtle figural beauty." -- Uppercase

"Today, Nancy Sharon Collins brings crisp wit and undying love to one of history's most spirited printing processes. As the letterpress revival grips designers in its leaden thrall, we might ready ourselves to receive engraving's lighter touch." - Ellen Lupton

"Known for her luxurious stationery designs, which are witty, chic and thoughtful...Collins is something of a crusader for the art of engraving, and her fervor has produced a lively book called The Complete Engraver." -- T: The New York Times Style Magazine

"An approachable, interesting, and compelling read... Collins is erudite. The Complete Engraver is a welcome addition to the canon of design history." -- I Love Typography

"A wonderful surprise of a book... a terrific introduction to the terminology and processes that can seem complicated to those who were raised in a primarily digital design environment... abundantly illustrated and [Collins's] timeline of engraving, from Gutenberg (who dabbled in copperplate engraving) to today's specialty engravers is clear and useful." -- Fine Books and Collections