Monograms & Ciphers

A practical handbook for designing monograms and ciphers, presenting hundreds of two-letter and selected three-letter device designs arranged so plates form an index; it explains combinatorial reasoning behind selections, distinguishes monogram and cipher, and outlines three principal treatment forms—imposed, extended, and continuous—plus five stylistic families (Roman, Gothic, Sans Serif, Cursive, Rustic). It offers guidance on emphasizing principal letters, adapting outlines to various crafts and materials, and balancing legibility with simplicity, while noting production limits that shaped the selection. Plates are intended as working outlines to be customized by designers and artisans.