Psychology of Handwriting

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   November 18, 2004
 0 out of 2 found this review helpful

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   January 5, 2002
 50 out of 52 found this review helpful

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   October 27, 2000
 18 out of 20 found this review helpful

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.