Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

simplistic and basic, 19 Jun 2008
I was suprised to see how tiny this book is. The next shock was how old-fashioned and simplistic it is. Not really a realistic guide to the art of modern palmistry, the text and illustrations are simply too basic. It's more a run-through of some basic outdated palmistry points.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA., 12 May 2008
Somebody needed to point out this thing is 12 by 8 cm big. I laughed so much when I got it thru the post, followed by slight annoyance, then relief when I worked out i paid one penny and £2.76 overall. The RRP is 3.50 by the way. If you're wondering if this is going to be useful for PUA stuff, I'd say yes, but learn the material and can it using friends. Don't get this book out during conversations in clubs (embarrassing!). It's tiny!

Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

simplistic and basic, 19 Jun 2008
I was suprised to see how tiny this book is. The next shock was how old-fashioned and simplistic it is. Not really a realistic guide to the art of modern palmistry, the text and illustrations are simply too basic. It's more a run-through of some basic outdated palmistry points.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA., 12 May 2008
Somebody needed to point out this thing is 12 by 8 cm big. I laughed so much when I got it thru the post, followed by slight annoyance, then relief when I worked out i paid one penny and £2.76 overall. The RRP is 3.50 by the way. If you're wondering if this is going to be useful for PUA stuff, I'd say yes, but learn the material and can it using friends. Don't get this book out during conversations in clubs (embarrassing!). It's tiny!

Prepare to be enthralled; you will never see things in the same light again., 22 Aug 2008
This is one of those life-changing books that, once read, you will never see things in the same light again.

I was first introduced to the work of Dr Mitchell Earl Gibson in an interview on EMTV (Sky 200).

What you get out of this book will depend very much upon your personal beliefs and experiences to date, and your level of spiritual evolution.

If you are a newcomer to the subject, my only advice would be to keep an open mind... and keep going until you reach the end of the book. You don't need to read it all in one go (as I did); there is a lot to take in, and think about, but... please... do read it all. There is much that we do not understand... and so much more to learn.

Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

simplistic and basic, 19 Jun 2008
I was suprised to see how tiny this book is. The next shock was how old-fashioned and simplistic it is. Not really a realistic guide to the art of modern palmistry, the text and illustrations are simply too basic. It's more a run-through of some basic outdated palmistry points.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA., 12 May 2008
Somebody needed to point out this thing is 12 by 8 cm big. I laughed so much when I got it thru the post, followed by slight annoyance, then relief when I worked out i paid one penny and £2.76 overall. The RRP is 3.50 by the way. If you're wondering if this is going to be useful for PUA stuff, I'd say yes, but learn the material and can it using friends. Don't get this book out during conversations in clubs (embarrassing!). It's tiny!

Prepare to be enthralled; you will never see things in the same light again., 22 Aug 2008
This is one of those life-changing books that, once read, you will never see things in the same light again.

I was first introduced to the work of Dr Mitchell Earl Gibson in an interview on EMTV (Sky 200).

What you get out of this book will depend very much upon your personal beliefs and experiences to date, and your level of spiritual evolution.

If you are a newcomer to the subject, my only advice would be to keep an open mind... and keep going until you reach the end of the book. You don't need to read it all in one go (as I did); there is a lot to take in, and think about, but... please... do read it all. There is much that we do not understand... and so much more to learn.


Good to start with..., 26 Nov 2004
I picked up this and the Idiots Guide to... books on Handwriting Analysis. I read this first, in the hope that it would be detailed and provide context for the other.

Its a nice small book, thats easily read and completed in a matter of hours rather than days. However, there is some valuable information inside, though its not always clearly explained. Its good to know why a large y loop shows something, but some explanation of why this is so would have helped. Especially in a book that leans on psychoanalsis.

Still, its my first graphology book, and though I don't know if its better than the Idiots guide yet (will review that too) I did find it useful and rather enjoyed seeing handwriting styles again - especially in the era of the typeface!

Informative and interesting, 18 Nov 2004
This is an excellent introductory book on graphology. I enjoyed reading it and learning from it.

A wonderful introduction for those with a serious interest, 05 Jan 2002
Too often, books written on subjects such as graphology approach the interest as if it were a child's toy; full of self obsession and intended for people clowning around with their hairdressers over a red-rinse and a puffy perm, you know, cackling, "Oohh, that girl's mind ain't right, and I should know, chuck!" and trying to back it up with a little dummy magazine-standard knowledge of her scrawl to make it sound credible: but this is not the case with this book. While it is for the beginner, and is very simple to understand (such is the book's categorised layout), the information it gives you is broad, sophisticated, comprehensive and professional. It is an inspiring book, informing you about the basic characteristics of handwriting indentification and leaving you intrigued and hungry for more. You can feel whilst learning that you are taking in valuable information that can be used to help yourself, your career or others, if not just for intellectual stimulation. The book's crowning touch is the varied and regular installments of handwriting for you to examine, along with an analysis from Olyanova for each one, making every chapter not simply a graphological reference but a sort of personal lesson plan for you to undertake at your leisure.
Graphology is a serious psychological tool and Nadya Olyanova is a serious teacher. I urge anyone with a firm intellectual interest in graphology to buy this book: you will feel you have gained a solid platform of knowledge to work from after you have read it.

Excellent introduction to the psychology of the written word, 27 Oct 2000
Psychology of Handwriting Nadya Olyanova

This small but thorough graphology book is written by a person who has a deep understanding of the human condition. It has real insights into the relationship between the written words and the psychological and emotional state of the writer. Working through the formation of the letters, pressure, spacing, margins, underscores and signatures, it covers all the basics of handwriting analysis. There is also a chapter analysing the writing of famous people. Nadya Olyanova has a pleasant and instructive manner and although her book is written in a concise way, it gives a very good foundation to anyone who wishes to get insight into the feelings and character of the writer. An excellent introduction to the subject.

Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

simplistic and basic, 19 Jun 2008
I was suprised to see how tiny this book is. The next shock was how old-fashioned and simplistic it is. Not really a realistic guide to the art of modern palmistry, the text and illustrations are simply too basic. It's more a run-through of some basic outdated palmistry points.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA., 12 May 2008
Somebody needed to point out this thing is 12 by 8 cm big. I laughed so much when I got it thru the post, followed by slight annoyance, then relief when I worked out i paid one penny and £2.76 overall. The RRP is 3.50 by the way. If you're wondering if this is going to be useful for PUA stuff, I'd say yes, but learn the material and can it using friends. Don't get this book out during conversations in clubs (embarrassing!). It's tiny!

Prepare to be enthralled; you will never see things in the same light again., 22 Aug 2008
This is one of those life-changing books that, once read, you will never see things in the same light again.

I was first introduced to the work of Dr Mitchell Earl Gibson in an interview on EMTV (Sky 200).

What you get out of this book will depend very much upon your personal beliefs and experiences to date, and your level of spiritual evolution.

If you are a newcomer to the subject, my only advice would be to keep an open mind... and keep going until you reach the end of the book. You don't need to read it all in one go (as I did); there is a lot to take in, and think about, but... please... do read it all. There is much that we do not understand... and so much more to learn.


Good to start with..., 26 Nov 2004
I picked up this and the Idiots Guide to... books on Handwriting Analysis. I read this first, in the hope that it would be detailed and provide context for the other.

Its a nice small book, thats easily read and completed in a matter of hours rather than days. However, there is some valuable information inside, though its not always clearly explained. Its good to know why a large y loop shows something, but some explanation of why this is so would have helped. Especially in a book that leans on psychoanalsis.

Still, its my first graphology book, and though I don't know if its better than the Idiots guide yet (will review that too) I did find it useful and rather enjoyed seeing handwriting styles again - especially in the era of the typeface!

Informative and interesting, 18 Nov 2004
This is an excellent introductory book on graphology. I enjoyed reading it and learning from it.

A wonderful introduction for those with a serious interest, 05 Jan 2002
Too often, books written on subjects such as graphology approach the interest as if it were a child's toy; full of self obsession and intended for people clowning around with their hairdressers over a red-rinse and a puffy perm, you know, cackling, "Oohh, that girl's mind ain't right, and I should know, chuck!" and trying to back it up with a little dummy magazine-standard knowledge of her scrawl to make it sound credible: but this is not the case with this book. While it is for the beginner, and is very simple to understand (such is the book's categorised layout), the information it gives you is broad, sophisticated, comprehensive and professional. It is an inspiring book, informing you about the basic characteristics of handwriting indentification and leaving you intrigued and hungry for more. You can feel whilst learning that you are taking in valuable information that can be used to help yourself, your career or others, if not just for intellectual stimulation. The book's crowning touch is the varied and regular installments of handwriting for you to examine, along with an analysis from Olyanova for each one, making every chapter not simply a graphological reference but a sort of personal lesson plan for you to undertake at your leisure.
Graphology is a serious psychological tool and Nadya Olyanova is a serious teacher. I urge anyone with a firm intellectual interest in graphology to buy this book: you will feel you have gained a solid platform of knowledge to work from after you have read it.

Excellent introduction to the psychology of the written word, 27 Oct 2000
Psychology of Handwriting Nadya Olyanova

This small but thorough graphology book is written by a person who has a deep understanding of the human condition. It has real insights into the relationship between the written words and the psychological and emotional state of the writer. Working through the formation of the letters, pressure, spacing, margins, underscores and signatures, it covers all the basics of handwriting analysis. There is also a chapter analysing the writing of famous people. Nadya Olyanova has a pleasant and instructive manner and although her book is written in a concise way, it gives a very good foundation to anyone who wishes to get insight into the feelings and character of the writer. An excellent introduction to the subject.

Excellent and entertaining introduction., 29 Nov 2000
I would never have thought that you can analyse someone's personality or their health through their handwriting. Definitely a must read if this subject vaguely interests you.

retail price is $10.95 and your "our price" is $15.11, 04 Apr 1999
you say that is a savings but if retail is less than your price that is not a savings.

okay as an introduction, 21 Jul 1998
Readable and entertaining, but not especially useful as a reference. She makes graphology seem much simpler than it really is--simplistic, even--making blanket statements about certain handwriting traits without explaining how other traits can modify their meanings. (If everything she says is right, my sister probably is a criminal and my husband is a bomb just waiting to explode...) It's entertaining enough to make a good introduction to the subject, but I don't recommend it to anyone who already knows anything about the subject.

Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

simplistic and basic, 19 Jun 2008
I was suprised to see how tiny this book is. The next shock was how old-fashioned and simplistic it is. Not really a realistic guide to the art of modern palmistry, the text and illustrations are simply too basic. It's more a run-through of some basic outdated palmistry points.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA., 12 May 2008
Somebody needed to point out this thing is 12 by 8 cm big. I laughed so much when I got it thru the post, followed by slight annoyance, then relief when I worked out i paid one penny and £2.76 overall. The RRP is 3.50 by the way. If you're wondering if this is going to be useful for PUA stuff, I'd say yes, but learn the material and can it using friends. Don't get this book out during conversations in clubs (embarrassing!). It's tiny!

Prepare to be enthralled; you will never see things in the same light again., 22 Aug 2008
This is one of those life-changing books that, once read, you will never see things in the same light again.

I was first introduced to the work of Dr Mitchell Earl Gibson in an interview on EMTV (Sky 200).

What you get out of this book will depend very much upon your personal beliefs and experiences to date, and your level of spiritual evolution.

If you are a newcomer to the subject, my only advice would be to keep an open mind... and keep going until you reach the end of the book. You don't need to read it all in one go (as I did); there is a lot to take in, and think about, but... please... do read it all. There is much that we do not understand... and so much more to learn.


Good to start with..., 26 Nov 2004
I picked up this and the Idiots Guide to... books on Handwriting Analysis. I read this first, in the hope that it would be detailed and provide context for the other.

Its a nice small book, thats easily read and completed in a matter of hours rather than days. However, there is some valuable information inside, though its not always clearly explained. Its good to know why a large y loop shows something, but some explanation of why this is so would have helped. Especially in a book that leans on psychoanalsis.

Still, its my first graphology book, and though I don't know if its better than the Idiots guide yet (will review that too) I did find it useful and rather enjoyed seeing handwriting styles again - especially in the era of the typeface!

Informative and interesting, 18 Nov 2004
This is an excellent introductory book on graphology. I enjoyed reading it and learning from it.

A wonderful introduction for those with a serious interest, 05 Jan 2002
Too often, books written on subjects such as graphology approach the interest as if it were a child's toy; full of self obsession and intended for people clowning around with their hairdressers over a red-rinse and a puffy perm, you know, cackling, "Oohh, that girl's mind ain't right, and I should know, chuck!" and trying to back it up with a little dummy magazine-standard knowledge of her scrawl to make it sound credible: but this is not the case with this book. While it is for the beginner, and is very simple to understand (such is the book's categorised layout), the information it gives you is broad, sophisticated, comprehensive and professional. It is an inspiring book, informing you about the basic characteristics of handwriting indentification and leaving you intrigued and hungry for more. You can feel whilst learning that you are taking in valuable information that can be used to help yourself, your career or others, if not just for intellectual stimulation. The book's crowning touch is the varied and regular installments of handwriting for you to examine, along with an analysis from Olyanova for each one, making every chapter not simply a graphological reference but a sort of personal lesson plan for you to undertake at your leisure.
Graphology is a serious psychological tool and Nadya Olyanova is a serious teacher. I urge anyone with a firm intellectual interest in graphology to buy this book: you will feel you have gained a solid platform of knowledge to work from after you have read it.

Excellent introduction to the psychology of the written word, 27 Oct 2000
Psychology of Handwriting Nadya Olyanova

This small but thorough graphology book is written by a person who has a deep understanding of the human condition. It has real insights into the relationship between the written words and the psychological and emotional state of the writer. Working through the formation of the letters, pressure, spacing, margins, underscores and signatures, it covers all the basics of handwriting analysis. There is also a chapter analysing the writing of famous people. Nadya Olyanova has a pleasant and instructive manner and although her book is written in a concise way, it gives a very good foundation to anyone who wishes to get insight into the feelings and character of the writer. An excellent introduction to the subject.

Excellent and entertaining introduction., 29 Nov 2000
I would never have thought that you can analyse someone's personality or their health through their handwriting. Definitely a must read if this subject vaguely interests you.

retail price is $10.95 and your "our price" is $15.11, 04 Apr 1999
you say that is a savings but if retail is less than your price that is not a savings.

okay as an introduction, 21 Jul 1998
Readable and entertaining, but not especially useful as a reference. She makes graphology seem much simpler than it really is--simplistic, even--making blanket statements about certain handwriting traits without explaining how other traits can modify their meanings. (If everything she says is right, my sister probably is a criminal and my husband is a bomb just waiting to explode...) It's entertaining enough to make a good introduction to the subject, but I don't recommend it to anyone who already knows anything about the subject.

Fully recommend it for those starting out in graphology, 24 Mar 1999
Barry gives a nonspeculative and fundamental approach to the entire process. From analyzing basic form and layout to writing a final report on a sample of handwriting. Since reading other books about graphology, I have come to appreciate Barry's basic conclusions and thorough step-by-step guide to overall analysis. Highly recommended ! ! !

Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

simplistic and basic, 19 Jun 2008
I was suprised to see how tiny this book is. The next shock was how old-fashioned and simplistic it is. Not really a realistic guide to the art of modern palmistry, the text and illustrations are simply too basic. It's more a run-through of some basic outdated palmistry points.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA., 12 May 2008
Somebody needed to point out this thing is 12 by 8 cm big. I laughed so much when I got it thru the post, followed by slight annoyance, then relief when I worked out i paid one penny and £2.76 overall. The RRP is 3.50 by the way. If you're wondering if this is going to be useful for PUA stuff, I'd say yes, but learn the material and can it using friends. Don't get this book out during conversations in clubs (embarrassing!). It's tiny!

Prepare to be enthralled; you will never see things in the same light again., 22 Aug 2008
This is one of those life-changing books that, once read, you will never see things in the same light again.

I was first introduced to the work of Dr Mitchell Earl Gibson in an interview on EMTV (Sky 200).

What you get out of this book will depend very much upon your personal beliefs and experiences to date, and your level of spiritual evolution.

If you are a newcomer to the subject, my only advice would be to keep an open mind... and keep going until you reach the end of the book. You don't need to read it all in one go (as I did); there is a lot to take in, and think about, but... please... do read it all. There is much that we do not understand... and so much more to learn.


Good to start with..., 26 Nov 2004
I picked up this and the Idiots Guide to... books on Handwriting Analysis. I read this first, in the hope that it would be detailed and provide context for the other.

Its a nice small book, thats easily read and completed in a matter of hours rather than days. However, there is some valuable information inside, though its not always clearly explained. Its good to know why a large y loop shows something, but some explanation of why this is so would have helped. Especially in a book that leans on psychoanalsis.

Still, its my first graphology book, and though I don't know if its better than the Idiots guide yet (will review that too) I did find it useful and rather enjoyed seeing handwriting styles again - especially in the era of the typeface!

Informative and interesting, 18 Nov 2004
This is an excellent introductory book on graphology. I enjoyed reading it and learning from it.

A wonderful introduction for those with a serious interest, 05 Jan 2002
Too often, books written on subjects such as graphology approach the interest as if it were a child's toy; full of self obsession and intended for people clowning around with their hairdressers over a red-rinse and a puffy perm, you know, cackling, "Oohh, that girl's mind ain't right, and I should know, chuck!" and trying to back it up with a little dummy magazine-standard knowledge of her scrawl to make it sound credible: but this is not the case with this book. While it is for the beginner, and is very simple to understand (such is the book's categorised layout), the information it gives you is broad, sophisticated, comprehensive and professional. It is an inspiring book, informing you about the basic characteristics of handwriting indentification and leaving you intrigued and hungry for more. You can feel whilst learning that you are taking in valuable information that can be used to help yourself, your career or others, if not just for intellectual stimulation. The book's crowning touch is the varied and regular installments of handwriting for you to examine, along with an analysis from Olyanova for each one, making every chapter not simply a graphological reference but a sort of personal lesson plan for you to undertake at your leisure.
Graphology is a serious psychological tool and Nadya Olyanova is a serious teacher. I urge anyone with a firm intellectual interest in graphology to buy this book: you will feel you have gained a solid platform of knowledge to work from after you have read it.

Excellent introduction to the psychology of the written word, 27 Oct 2000
Psychology of Handwriting Nadya Olyanova

This small but thorough graphology book is written by a person who has a deep understanding of the human condition. It has real insights into the relationship between the written words and the psychological and emotional state of the writer. Working through the formation of the letters, pressure, spacing, margins, underscores and signatures, it covers all the basics of handwriting analysis. There is also a chapter analysing the writing of famous people. Nadya Olyanova has a pleasant and instructive manner and although her book is written in a concise way, it gives a very good foundation to anyone who wishes to get insight into the feelings and character of the writer. An excellent introduction to the subject.

Excellent and entertaining introduction., 29 Nov 2000
I would never have thought that you can analyse someone's personality or their health through their handwriting. Definitely a must read if this subject vaguely interests you.

retail price is $10.95 and your "our price" is $15.11, 04 Apr 1999
you say that is a savings but if retail is less than your price that is not a savings.

okay as an introduction, 21 Jul 1998
Readable and entertaining, but not especially useful as a reference. She makes graphology seem much simpler than it really is--simplistic, even--making blanket statements about certain handwriting traits without explaining how other traits can modify their meanings. (If everything she says is right, my sister probably is a criminal and my husband is a bomb just waiting to explode...) It's entertaining enough to make a good introduction to the subject, but I don't recommend it to anyone who already knows anything about the subject.

Fully recommend it for those starting out in graphology, 24 Mar 1999
Barry gives a nonspeculative and fundamental approach to the entire process. From analyzing basic form and layout to writing a final report on a sample of handwriting. Since reading other books about graphology, I have come to appreciate Barry's basic conclusions and thorough step-by-step guide to overall analysis. Highly recommended ! ! !

A wordy and over-intellectual re-hash of Western Palmistry, 22 Jul 1999
The author claims to have studied this `tradition` of hand reading from Zen Buddhists whilst resident in a Buddhist monastery in Japan. However, discerning students of hand analysis will note that he has, in fact, gleaned many of the ideas presented in this work from earlier works, notably Fred Gettings `Book of the Hand` of 1965. Gettings makes extensive use of the elements as a symbolism to interpret the hands features, especially with regards to handshapes and quadrants. Whilst some of the interpretations Dukes gives to the lines of the hand, especialy considered in this elemental way, are indeed interesting, actually many of these can be seen to be an elemental `re-writing` of commonly found palmistry books. This is not really a `unique` tradition at all. Having said that, the reader will learn something more of the philosophical implications of hand analysis - but be warned! You will need a good dictionary and a great deal of perseverence to make your way through this book. One thing that should be noted is that many of the remarks he makes about health and illness from the hands are quite incorrect and reveal his suspect knowledge of things medical, whether that be from western medical traditions or Chinese traditions (his diagram of the acupuncture pints in the hand is quite wrong, for instance). Moreover, the claims that are made with regard to the original Chirological Society of K St Hill are quite absurd as she did not use any form of elemental system whatsoever. The `history` that he presents is not agreed upon by any other historian of hand analysis and is not supported by any documented evidence whatsoever. Having said that, the tone and manner of this work will make readers think more about this art and try and address some of the evident problems that can be found in most palmistry books. But don`t expect to learn anything new about hand analysis here - the work is more of a theoretical textbook than a practical workbook.

Groundbreaking, 08 Feb 2006
This book is insightful, interesting, groundbreaking and a beautiful read. John Jay Harper has laid his life down on the pages for all to see and his scientific ability has revealed a new dimension of existence. This is profound stuff and I urge everybody to read it.

simplistic and basic, 19 Jun 2008
I was suprised to see how tiny this book is. The next shock was how old-fashioned and simplistic it is. Not really a realistic guide to the art of modern palmistry, the text and illustrations are simply too basic. It's more a run-through of some basic outdated palmistry points.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA., 12 May 2008
Somebody needed to point out this thing is 12 by 8 cm big. I laughed so much when I got it thru the post, followed by slight annoyance, then relief when I worked out i paid one penny and £2.76 overall. The RRP is 3.50 by the way. If you're wondering if this is going to be useful for PUA stuff, I'd say yes, but learn the material and can it using friends. Don't get this book out during conversations in clubs (embarrassing!). It's tiny!

Prepare to be enthralled; you will never see things in the same light again., 22 Aug 2008
This is one of those life-changing books that, once read, you will never see things in the same light again.

I was first introduced to the work of Dr Mitchell Earl Gibson in an interview on EMTV (Sky 200).

What you get out of this book will depend very much upon your personal beliefs and experiences to date, and your level of spiritual evolution.

If you are a newcomer to the subject, my only advice would be to keep an open mind... and keep going until you reach the end of the book. You don't need to read it all in one go (as I did); there is a lot to take in, and think about, but... please... do read it all. There is much that we do not understand... and so much more to learn.


Good to start with..., 26 Nov 2004
I picked up this and the Idiots Guide to... books on Handwriting Analysis. I read this first, in the hope that it would be detailed and provide context for the other.

Its a nice small book, thats easily read and completed in a matter of hours rather than days. However, there is some valuable information inside, though its not always clearly explained. Its good to know why a large y loop shows something, but some explanation of why this is so would have helped. Especially in a book that leans on psychoanalsis.

Still, its my first graphology book, and though I don't know if its better than the Idiots guide yet (will review that too) I did find it useful and rather enjoyed seeing handwriting styles again - especially in the era of the typeface!

Informative and interesting, 18 Nov 2004
This is an excellent introductory book on graphology. I enjoyed reading it and learning from it.

A wonderful introduction for those with a serious interest, 05 Jan 2002
Too often, books written on subjects such as graphology approach the interest as if it were a child's toy; full of self obsession and intended for people clowning around with their hairdressers over a red-rinse and a puffy perm, you know, cackling, "Oohh, that girl's mind ain't right, and I should know, chuck!" and trying to back it up with a little dummy magazine-standard knowledge of her scrawl to make it sound credible: but this is not the case with this book. While it is for the beginner, and is very simple to understand (such is the book's categorised layout), the information it gives you is broad, sophisticated, comprehensive and professional. It is an inspiring book, informing you about the basic characteristics of handwriting indentification and leaving you intrigued and hungry for more. You can feel whilst learning that you are taking in valuable information that can be used to help yourself, your career or others, if not just for intellectual stimulation. The book's crowning touch is the varied and regular installments of handwriting for you to examine, along with an analysis from Olyanova for each one, making every chapter not simply a graphological reference but a sort of personal lesson plan for you to undertake at your leisure.
Graphology is a serious psychological tool and Nadya Olyanova is a serious teacher. I urge anyone with a firm intellectual interest in graphology to buy this book: you will feel you have gained a solid platform of knowledge to work from after you have read it.

Excellent introduction to the psychology of the written word, 27 Oct 2000
Psychology of Handwriting Nadya Olyanova

This small but thorough graphology book is written by a person who has a deep understanding of the human condition. It has real insights into the relationship between the written words and the psychological and emotional state of the writer. Working through the formation of the letters, pressure, spacing, margins, underscores and signatures, it covers all the basics of handwriting analysis. There is also a chapter analysing the writing of famous people. Nadya Olyanova has a pleasant and instructive manner and although her book is written in a concise way, it gives a very good foundation to anyone who wishes to get insight into the feelings and character of the writer. An excellent introduction to the subject.

Excellent and entertaining introduction., 29 Nov 2000
I would never have thought that you can analyse someone's personality or their health through their handwriting. Definitely a must read if this subject vaguely interests you.

retail price is $10.95 and your "our price" is $15.11, 04 Apr 1999
you say that is a savings but if retail is less than your price that is not a savings.

okay as an introduction, 21 Jul 1998
Readable and entertaining, but not especially useful as a reference. She makes graphology seem much simpler than it really is--simplistic, even--making blanket statements about certain handwriting traits without explaining how other traits can modify their meanings. (If everything she says is right, my sister probably is a criminal and my husband is a bomb just waiting to explode...) It's entertaining enough to make a good introduction to the subject, but I don't recommend it to anyone who already knows anything about the subject.

Fully recommend it for those starting out in graphology, 24 Mar 1999
Barry gives a nonspeculative and fundamental approach to the entire process. From analyzing basic form and layout to writing a final report on a sample of handwriting. Since reading other books about graphology, I have come to appreciate Barry's basic conclusions and thorough step-by-step guide to overall analysis. Highly recommended ! ! !

A wordy and over-intellectual re-hash of Western Palmistry, 22 Jul 1999
The author claims to have studied this `tradition` of hand reading from Zen Buddhists whilst resident in a Buddhist monastery in Japan. However, discerning students of hand analysis will note that he has, in fact, gleaned many of the ideas presented in this work from earlier works, notably Fred Gettings `Book of the Hand` of 1965. Gettings makes extensive use of the elements as a symbolism to interpret the hands features, especially with regards to handshapes and quadrants. Whilst some of the interpretations Dukes gives to the lines of the hand, especialy considered in this elemental way, are indeed interesting, actually many of these can be seen to be an elemental `re-writing` of commonly found palmistry books. This is not really a `unique` tradition at all. Having said that, the reader will learn something more of the philosophical implications of hand analysis - but be warned! You will need a good dictionary and a great deal of perseverence to make your way through this book. One thing that should be noted is that many of the remarks he makes about health and illness from the hands are quite incorrect and reveal his suspect knowledge of things medical, whether that be from western medical traditions or Chinese traditions (his diagram of the acupuncture pints in the hand is quite wrong, for instance). Moreover, the claims that are made with regard to the original Chirological Society of K St Hill are quite absurd as she did not use any form of elemental system whatsoever. The `history` that he presents is not agreed upon by any other historian of hand analysis and is not supported by any documented evidence whatsoever. Having said that, the tone and manner of this work will make readers think more about this art and try and address some of the evident problems that can be found in most palmistry books. But don`t expect to learn anything new about hand analysis here - the work is more of a theoretical textbook than a practical workbook.

A fresh breeze in a fetid swamp, 09 Jun 2007
Finally an academic team (brother & sister) that tackles this long-persisting parlor science with the rigor that generations of "graphologists" have never been able to muster. Clearly debunking the outrageous claims of practicing graphologists elicits from them the most strenuous and pained denials. But, when asked for proof that their art is any more accurate than astrology (or lie detectors) they reply in bellows of outrage that their professionalism should not be questioned by people not practiced in the art.

Now we can see how scientists were attacked in the middle ages when they dared to question the "known fact" that the Earth is at the center of the Universe. A fair-minded and thorough attack on this dubious practice that scuttles it with a finality that will make any further claims seem quaint--or self-serving.



More than you ever wanted to know..., 27 Aug 1998
Don't be fooled into thinking that this book is about graphology; it's not. It's a loooong, dry look at the scientific method and only secondarily how it applies to handwriting analysts and their claims. It's interesting in places (the discussion about why people believe what they do) but I don't have a scientific background and couldn't follow the logic of some of the articles. This book put me to sleep many nights for several weeks...worked better than melatonin!

If you're interested in the connection between handwriting and personality, The Write Stuff won't teach you much about that subject (I think a lot of the editor's assumptions are incorrect) but it might make you more critical of the popular graphology books that are on the market--not necessarily a bad thing. It certainly is NOT a balanced view of graphology; the editors have a strong bias against the subject, and don't try to hide it. I guess I'm hooked cause I finished the book wishing that they had included samples of their own handwriting!