Lettering Style Masters, 450 years before Dondi CIA

The British National Library is currently trying to obtain the Macclesfield Alphabet Book, a portfolio produced by a book and font design group in the 1500s. The book features examples of various types of fonts and page decorations, and is believed to have been used not only as a sample for prospective clients, but also as a reference/ style guide to teach apprentices. Pretty amazing stuff, considering it was probably all done freehand and by candle light.
Enjoy.

Jacked from;
http://www.12ozprophet.com/index.php/dirty_dozen_crew/entry/lettering_style_masters_450_years_before_dondi/