Complete Typographer: A Manual For Designing With Type

All forms of communication and design involve the use of type to some degree, so, for anyone who works with type, a sound knowledge of typography and its relationship with other disciplines is essential. This is exactly what The Complete Typographer provides. In it, you will find an attractive, comprehensive blend of ideas and information, which you can draw on to develop a discerning typographic eye and your own creative, individual approach to typographic problem-solving. It is an indispensable source of authoritative, accessible reference.

The book starts by outlining the basic story of type, from its beginnings up to the present day, with a special focus on the key typographic watersheds, such as the invention of the Linotype and Monotype typesetting systems, and the contributions of such influential figures as Goudy, Rogers, Tschichold, Morison and Zapf. The second, main section is a directory of typefaces, covering the seven type categories or groups—Humanist, Old Style, Transitional, Modern, Slab Serif, Sans Serif and Display. The coverage includes introductions, examining the main characteristic features of each type group, illustrated double-pages featuring the key typefaces, including full alphabet and sample text settings, listings of other typefaces within the group and inspirational examples of the types in action. The final section covers the actual business of working with type, concluding with an overview of state-of-the-art desktop typography.

Essential reading, vital practical reference, The Complete Typographer inspires and instructs. It shows that, despite technological development, the basic foundation upon which good typographical design is built—attention to detail and the development of a sensitive typographical eye—remains the same as ever.