What do you call the typeface of old fairytale, and books they use for the first letter?

Question

I am wanting to know where and what the first letter in old style book and fairytales are called. The very fanciful, and beautiful and over the top ornate letters are very interesting. I was wanting to know if there is a specific name for these type of letters. Any help would greatly appreciated

Answer 1

The decorated letters are termed 'Illuminated'.

A fairytale story or Bible that features this is called an Illuminated manuscript

Answer 2

I have the original release from COREL XARA and it came with the 1998 edition of COREL Graphics Pack II and this includes tons of license free clip art. All the FAIRY TALE clip letters and alphabets are labeled 'Medieval'. Try searching for Medieval and Clip art and fonts and see what you get. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

the ones that have the fancy things around it, like flowers and pictures and colors is illumination, the letter its self being fancy is caligraphy.

Answer 4

Here is some info on medieval style fonts:
http://gandalf.aksis.uib.no/mufi/

And Celtic, etc.
http://www.fonts.com/FavoriteFonts/BlackletterScripts.htm

Answer 5

caligraphy!