First proof of Cartier, the first Canadian type for text composition by Carl Dair to mark the Centenary of Canadian Confederation.

folio. [ff.8]incl. final blank. text in French & English in red & black. A fine unopened copy in original wrs. First Edition, Limitation not stated. Commissioned by the Governor-General of Canada-In-Council, the first proof of the Cartier typeface was created in Roman and Italic faces to celebrate the centenary of Canadian Confederation. It was named after the explorer Jacques Cartier. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was set in the Cartier typeface. The typeface had largely fallen out of use in the late 1990s, when Rod McDonald redesigned Cartier for a digital audience. "Cartier, the distinctive new type-face designed in Canada by Carl Dair is an event of great moment, almost unique in our history. This design is, in fact, Canada’s first text type created for the twenty-six letter alphabet. Not since 1841 at Norway House when James Evans fashioned his Cree syllabic symbols has Canada developed its own original type. Here is legibility, invention, style, and beauty from the mind and hand of a great Canadian talent. Carl Dair has spent ten years designing Cartier. His work constitutes a centennial gift to all Canadians, indeed, to all people, for all time." - Douglas Lochhead.…