Fig. 53.
The other shapes are all equally bad, and no one with a training in really good forms of lettering could possibly originate them. They all practically err in the same direction, i.e., in pretending to be something that they are not. It is curious that this tendency should so develop.
Another bad form of initial, not illustrated here, is that formed by contorting figures into shapes to represent various letters. All this sort of thing cannot be too severely censured.
It is far better to have initials quite simple in character rather than forms like these, which are absolutely debased in style. A fine form of Roman capital with little or no ornament added is much to be preferred.
In [Fig. 53] some elaborate examples are given showing how it is possible to produce striking initials without resorting to any of the devices illustrated in [Fig. 52].
The A and the T are examples of initials filled with decoration based on plant-form. This makes a very good style of letter.
One of the O’s has a decorative landscape placed in the centre. Of course, only the round letters can be treated in this fashion.
The other letter O has a fanciful style of decoration very suitable for the commencement of a fairy tale. In fact this initial was designed for that purpose, the story commencing in the usual way, “Once upon a time.”
In [Fig. 54] some suggestions are given for tail-pieces which are used to fill up when a chapter ends half-way down the page. These may be of various shapes, such as triangular, rectangular, lozenge-shaped, or irregular. They may consist merely of decoration or they may embody the words, “The End,” “Finis,” “Conclusion,” or “Here ends the story of——.”
A small decorative scene may be employed as suggested here. Another way often used, and also indicated here, is for the lettering to be separate, with a band of ornament beneath it.