Marc Drogin is an American author, calligrapher, and illustrator best known for his scholarly and instructional works concerning medieval paleography, the history of the book, and the technical evolution of Western scripts. His contributions are recognized for bridging the gap between academic historical research and the practical application of calligraphic arts.
Drogin’s most influential work is Medieval Calligraphy: Its History and Technique (1980). This text is widely regarded as a standard reference for both historians and practitioners, as it provides a chronological history of letterforms alongside specific instructions for recreating historical hands, such as Uncial, Carolingian Minuscule, and Blackletter.
In addition to technical manuals, Drogin has authored works focusing on the cultural history of books and libraries. His book Anathema! Medieval Scribes and the History of Book Curses (1983) examines the tradition of scribes placing formal curses within manuscripts to protect them from theft or mutilation, offering insight into the value and scarcity of books in the medieval period. Other notable publications include Biblioclasm: The Mythical Origins, Magic Powers, and Perilous Fate of the Medieval Book (1989) and Yours Truly, King Arthur: How Medieval People Wrote, and How You Can, Too! (1982).
Throughout his career, Drogin has been noted for his ability to synthesize complex historical data into accessible narratives, frequently utilizing his own illustrations and calligraphic examples to supplement his research.
