Letter by Letter

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Letters are the fundamental elements of our language and consciousness, often overlooked despite their essential role. Through constant repetition, they become as familiar as water in a fishbowl, yet they possess a unique beauty when examined individually. To explore their mysteries, one must move beyond traditional historical analysis and embrace an appreciation of their formal and sensual qualities. In this work, graphic designer and calligrapher Laurent Pflughaupt meticulously analyzes each letter of the Roman alphabet, detailing its origin, evolution, and form while discussing important abbreviations, symbols, and meanings. The twenty-six entries, organized alphabetically, provide a wealth of information, establishing connections between letters and various fields such as paleography, phonetics, graphic arts, musicology, esotericism, and Eastern philosophy. Accompanied by a glossary, timelines, and images, the book visualizes letters through different historical periods, showcasing their transformations. This beautifully illustrated homage to the modern alphabet invites readers to rediscover letters in a fresh and engaging way, appealing to anyone interested in typography and language.