This much-needed book serves the practical requirements of all those who specify type for books, whether they are art directors, editors, designers or printers.
More than a hundred currently available filmset typefaces are presented here in large-format, double-page specimen settings, in various sizings and spacings. Also shown are display fonts in useful sizes, with bold, roman, italic, small caps and figures. These pages, with their accompanying cast-off and copy-fitting tables, are invaluable as ready-reference sources.
The authors also provide a substantial introduction, including notes on the technical and visual development of typefaces; a comprehensive "family tree" of types shown in relation to their historical models; and a long, illustrated essay in which many examples of widely varying typographic problems and their solution-sall of them relevant to the book designer's work today-are identified and discussed.
This book is intended for typographers and other professionals interested in type design. Its eight sections include technical information, historical background, a chronological chart of type families, a history of bookmaking, over 100 selected Linotype and Monotype specimens, points of style, copyfitting guidelines, and rules, signs, and symbols. The book lays flat when opened, and the layout permits a side-by-side comparison of any two typefaces. Examples of various point sizes and spacings are provided for each specimen. A minor flaw is an awkward placement of the type family chart. This should please its intended audience. Recommended for collections serving advanced design students and specialists.
- P. Steven Thomas, Washburn Univ., Topeka, Kan.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.