From Gutenberg To Opentype

An authoritative history of the printed letter, From Gutenberg to OpenType draws together the histories of typography and printing in a robustly illustrated volume. The manufacture, development and use of type has always been dependent upon the evolving mechanics of putting ink onto paper. This book brings to life the dramatic changes in both printing and typography through the ages. Every page is beautifully illustrated to bring the text to life; historical paintings, engravings and photographs give a visual context to the different eras of type design and print. From Gutenberg to OpenType is written for those who actually work with type. Key typefaces from each historical era are discussed and compared to others of their era, and the original use of the typeface is pictured alongside contemporary examples and uses to give as broad a sense as possible of the character of each face. As a guide to designers, side panels explain how to use individual typefaces, warn of pitfalls and highlight the particular benefits of their use. This history is not only an excellent doorway into the world of typography for anyone interested in the printed world, it is also vitally important to anyone who works with type and knows that each letterform brings with it an individual context that affects its flavour and use.