---
product_id: 12743236
title: "The Eternal Letter: Two Millennia of the Classical Roman Capital (Codex Studies in Letterforms)"
brand: "paul shaw"
price: "€ 64.74"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 12
url: https://www.desertcart.ie/products/12743236-the-eternal-letter-two-millennia-of-the-classical-roman-capital
store_origin: IE
region: Ireland
---

# The Eternal Letter: Two Millennia of the Classical Roman Capital (Codex Studies in Letterforms)

**Brand:** paul shaw
**Price:** € 64.74
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Eternal Letter: Two Millennia of the Classical Roman Capital (Codex Studies in Letterforms) by paul shaw
- **How much does it cost?** € 64.74 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ie](https://www.desertcart.ie/products/12743236-the-eternal-letter-two-millennia-of-the-classical-roman-capital)

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- paul shaw enthusiasts

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## Description

The Eternal Letter: Two Millennia of the Classical Roman Capital (Codex Studies in Letterforms)

## Images

![The Eternal Letter: Two Millennia of the Classical Roman Capital (Codex Studies in Letterforms) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411vresv9wL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    A Feast
  

*by T***K on Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2015*

This book, edited by Paul Shaw and beautifully designed by Linda Florio, is a feast visually and historically. Despite one's resolve to start at the beginning and move through the serving line sequentially, it is impossible not to explore what's being offered on other pages. With contributions by Matthew Carter, Lance Hidy, Frank Blokland, Ewan Clayton and others, there is so much to be tempted by. One comes across a stunning full page black-and-white photograph of Father Edward M. Catich standing near the top two rungs of a wooden ladder, leaning out, reaching over, making rubbings of the Trajan Inscription; a frozen moment in time. It's almost as though Father Catich is anointing the Holy Grail. And that's just one page! The Eternal Letter has 260 pages in all, and on another you'll find a meaty serving of types and calligraphy by Hermann Zapf and on yet another a lavish presentation of the calligraphic virtuosity of John Stevens.The Eternal Letter provides an historic context for a letterform that, for over 2000 years, has not only endured, but ultimately prevailed in a day and age when fonts are spewed out daily like cat litters. The book is rich with pictorial examples and insightful commentary about the eternal Roman majuscule and its offshoots, which range in application from stone to ink to pixels. Shaw's editing and scholarship is impeccable and surely cements his credentials as one of the world's leading authorities on the subject. This book is a must for the library of anyone interested in the expressive qualities of great calligraphy and typography.Thomas Lincoln, designer

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in Roman Letters
  

*by K***D on Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2021*

The book is packed with images, accompanied by informative text on the history and formation of Roman letters. Among the best books I've found on the topic. A valued addition to my library, one I will read from cover-to-cover.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Great Overview with sources for further study
  

*by M***C on Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2015*

I have never found such a great overview of the history, use and current issues in the creation, study and use of the Roman Capital... as this book. As an architect I've toyed with geometric construction of the Roman Capitals for several years working from old lettering books and architectural manuals. They never "worked." I found Father Edward Catich's book " The Origin of the Serif: Brush Writing & Roman Letters" years ago and it is good...but this book really takes the subject in hand (pun intended). Lots of sources (nicely listed under Further Reading... in the back of the book) and avenues for further study. Good, high quality images. This may not be sold as a "picture book" suitable for the coffee table, yet the quality and number of images could give you that impression. Don't worry, there is plenty of writing and thinking done between the images.  If you're an expert in type design or lettering you may not need this volume .....the rest of us will love it for the solid writing, editing, and directions it steers us in.

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*Product available on Desertcart Ireland*
*Store origin: IE*
*Last updated: 2026-03-17*