Versals

"Versals are a complex subject. But in a nutshell; They get their name from being used to begin a verse or paragraph, or section.

The term Versal by itself usually refers to an ornate compound, capital based on Roman forms that is pen-drawn, as opposed to written, built up with double strokes, usually filled in, and having serifs that are extended hairlines (such as the upper example). But Versals historically have taken many forms so I usually refer to this type as a Roman Versal.—Another style of Versal and probably the most common, was Uncial.

Uncial Versals use round elements where straight strokes would normally be; For instance producing a round M rather than a square one. A few examples are shown on the bottom row. This style is also sometimes referred to as Gothic Uncial or Lombardic Uncial.—A third category. Personally, I also add a third category I call Intermediate. This style would normally be included in the Lombardic group, but I find tho they have Lombardic traits, they are more akin to Roman form, as the examples in the middle line."

~February 16, 2011, Don Marsh~
©2011 Don Marsh