Product Description

Providing an essential grounding for readers of all levels, from students to professionals, this carefully structured text takes the reader through every aspect of typography, from the history of language and writing systems to the invention of movable type and the evolution of the digital systems of today. It provides an overview of the bewildering variety of typefaces available and is a practical guide to using type as a meaningful element of design in all media. In this revised edition, Chapter 3 ('Form') has been considerably extended with illustrations of 'part-alphabets' for 60 typefaces and detailed explanations of their visual features. There are also updated sections in Chapters 4 and 6 ('Manufacture & Design' and 'Conventions') and in Chapter 5 ('Structure') there is new material on the use of grids and design for the Web.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16243 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
Essential reading for anyone about to embark on a career in graphic design (or who wasn't paying attention at college), it provides an extremely useful point of reference.
...... it is a very well-crafted, thorough and considered book that will be no doubt be referred to again and again. --Blueprint

Review
Anyone interested in or involved with type should buy this book,.......
... you won't be disappointed by the erudite and clearly presented information. Simply essential.

Review
This is a valuable textbook for today's students, and makes a leap forward in its integration of the study of language and its output in one volume.

Customer Reviews

Not as comprehensive or detailed as I hoped
This book is nicely produced, but I found the content a bit lacking in substance. Having just read Ruari McLean's Typography, written almost a quarter of a century ago, I was looking for something that was more advanced, Type & Typography is simply not it. Too much space is wasted on large colour pages that add little, the historical dimension is weak.

Typographers bible
This book examines the history, evolution and mechanics of typography in a clear, concise manner. It can be dipped into very easily for specific information and is full of illustrated examples to clarify points made in each section. As a reference book it should provide help for all levels and I'm sure that my copy will become a well thumbed addition to my library.

I have not read the whole book yet, at over 180 pages it can be alot to take in, but the chapters I have read are exhaustive and put typography into context. An example of this can be found early on with a definition of the term, followed by further investigation into function and form, where the alphabet is deconstructed and explained.

As a teacher I am sure that I will use this book in many instances and adapt the information for my own uses. If you are at all interested in type or design this book will not disappoint.

An interesting and educational book
Written by lecturers at Central St Martin's College in London, this is a great book - they know their stuff. It is a fusion of great design and layout combined with the technical nitty gritty and history of type. All really interesting for those of us who are interested in type and typography. I would definitely recommend it.