A LIFE IN HAND: Creating the Illuminated Journal

By Hannah Hinchman

Book Overview

Borrowing the best examples from her own journals, and the works of others, Hinchman leads the reader from simple jottings and scratched likenesses to fully illuminated gems of philosophy, and shows... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879053801
• ISBN13: 9780879053802
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Peregrine Smith Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 5.8" x 1.4"

Customer Reviews

A readable and useful book for journal writers

I've read and am reading several books on journal writing, having decided to take on that task in earnest. Often these books are heavily into a kind of exploratory self-analysis of the psychological sort as an aid to figuring out one's personal issues. They can also be lengthy and involved. But Hannah Hinchman's book is readable, delightfully brief and nicely illustrated with her art work. It covers the field sufficiently but not exhaustively, and provides enough examples from accomplished journalists to give the newcomer models he or she needs to get going in the right direction. And there is constant helpful and practical advice. I find myself going back to it over and over again to remind myself of the fine points of her wise guidance. If you're new or fairly new to the journal-writing endeavor, I highly recommend this book.

Great place to start with keeping a visual diary!

This book is simple introduction to visual diary-keeping and will be enjoyed by people looking for a short, unintimidating, introduction to this topic.

Blending drawing and writing in journals

When I bought the first edition of this book several years ago, I went back and bought 6 more copies which I gave to my closest friends. Each felt as I did, that this was a profound book that stimulated creative journal keeping for inner and outer experiences to sharpen every day. I'd long looked for someone who could guide my urges to write and to draw, to stimulate me to put my observations out where I could really grasp them. Hinchman showed me the way with writing and memory exercises which I actually did and enjoyed, basic art technique, encouragement, and the idea that my scribbles and jottings could become a treasured personal record.

Essential reading for anyone who keeps a journal.

This book has created a nationwide interest in illustrated journal-keeping. It's a friendly, exquisitely illustrated volume from someone who is obviously nature-connected and literate to boot. If you like maps, natural history illustration, or if you are one of those who have always wanted to draw, but don't believe you can....this is the book for you