Illuminations, A Ro-Mlen Alphabet

Janice Davis Civen

Published by Dodd, Mead & Company, New York, hardcover with dustjacket, illustrated.

The title ILLUMINATIONS: A ROMLEN ALPHABET came about in this way. Often, when I am engaged in some contemplative activity-painting, meditating, walking on a beaeh, and so on-my mind travels to an imaginary place which I call Ro-Mlen. I think of Ro-Mlen as an otherworldly kingdom of truth and beauty and, for me, it is a world of creative inspiration and inner refreshment.
Ro-Mlen is the origin of, and inspiration for, both the text and the paintings- in this book.
Janice Davis Civen

IIluminations is a unique calligraphic alphabet that offers a modern interpretation of an ancient craft and fresh insights into the beauty and truth beyond conscious human understanding.
The text consists of twenty-six brief commentaries, one for each of the letters of the alphabet. These commentaries are not intended as literal definitions but rather as observations of a personal nature, expressed in poetic terms. In the author's view, "They are attempts to set down insights into reality as I have comprehended it at certain points in my life, and though they may therefore be limited by my limitations, I hope that they do express in some measure the depth, truth, and beauty of the inner realms."
Each letter of this modern spiritual alphabet stands for a word that reflects an aspect of human character and potential, and each letter is beautifully illustrated in the style of the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. IIluminations includes a total of fifty-two paintings-each one a vivid .....................................................