Johnston's Semi-Formal Script

[Sid the Cat]

I've been looking at several of Edward Johnston's books lately, and I've been charmed by the spiky script he used in his initialed letters and called hes "semi-formal script."
Did he ever do an alphabet of them, or any systematic specimens?

[AnasaziWrites]

Are you referring to the script featured on the cover of Johnston's Lessons in Formal Writing?

[Sid the Cat]

Exactly. He would create those big initials of the recipient and use his semi-formal script for the actual letter. It has a charming effect.

[JERRY TRESSER]

I dont believe there was any alphabet for that kind of cursive writing. I am not even sure what the writing instrument was. But whoever received any of his letters written in that style was very fortunate indeed. And he did correspond.   JERRY

[AnasaziWrites]

I dont believe there was any alphabet for that kind of cursive writing. I am not even sure what the writing instrument was. But whoever received any of his letters written in that style was very fortunate indeed. And he did correspond.   JERRY

Yes, quite so . I am not among the fortunate, sadly. I wish it were so . I'm too  late to the party.
Too be born a bit earlier.

[InkyFingers]

If I am not mistaken I have seen this same type of writing with italic as well.  This foundatonal hand is writing with a much smaller nib width and written with much vigor, hence producing spikey edges.

As with Italic, we often Gothicize it.  In Foundation, he talks about italicize the Foundatonal script ...and hence the large initials.  To me they look like Gothicized Foundational.

Edward Johnston other publication is of most interest to me besides the book of Writing & Illuminating and Lettering.

[Sid the Cat]

It’s also harder than it looks to write consistently.