An Approach to Type

Biggs, J. R.

Published by Blandford Press, Lond1969, 1961

About this Item

Dust jacket is in a protective sleeve, shelf wear to edges, unclipped. Red cloth with bright gilt titles to upper cover and spine, a couple of small marks, very slight bump to corners. No inscription. 136 pages with useful bibliography. Clean and tight. This is a completely revised edition of Mr. Biggs' book which has become a standard work in its field since first publication. The current volume is designed in the idiom of the 1960s and has had much new material added. It is still what THE BRITISH PRINTER first said of it: a commendable introduction to the subject. As may be expected from one so experienced in teaching, the literary style of the book is such as to promote easy assimilation of the contents. The typographical style and the impeccable presswork also contribute fully to the same desirable end.' Printers, art students, advertising agents, publishers, editors and all who are concerned with type find here an ideal introduction. The numerous specimens are of types readily available and a method of study is suggested. Technicalities are explained in language the layman can understand and these include the point system, type sizes, and the names of the parts of a letter and of the metal type. The classification of type faces makes clear the distinction between 'old face' (diagonal stress) and 'modern' (vertical stress). The evolution of letter design is outlined from the early memory signs to the alphabet familiar today in its written and printed forms. Legibility and beauty of type design are discussed and the influence of paper thereon. The author has taught typographic design and wood engraving at the London School of Printing, the Central School of Arts and Crafts, and is now head of the Graphic Design Department of the Brighton College of Art. He was also Production Manager for 'Country Life' Books and Art Editor for the S.C.M. Press. His work as a typographer and wood engraver is well known through exhibits at the Fifty Books of the Year Exhibition, the Royal Academy and many other exhibitions. This book is based upon his long experience of the practice of typography and of the problems of a wide variety of students, Size: 4to.

Seller Inventory # 110987

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Approach to Type
• Publisher: Blandford Press, Lond1969
• Publication Date: 1961
• Binding: Hard Cover
• Illustrator: Illustrations and Numerous Typefaces
• Edition: Second Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good