American Metal Typefaces of the Twentieth Century, 2nd Revised Edition [Paperback]

Mac McGrew (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0938768395 | ISBN-13: 978-0938768395 | Publication Date: December 3, 1993 | Edition: 2nd Revised

Reprint of the second, revised edition. Discover 1,600 classical as well as bizarre typefaces in one of the most massive tributes to the history of printing and metal types. This edition of American Metal Typefaces of the Twentieth Century contains 300 more typefaces in a clean, attractive format. This well-organized work captures the rapidly disappearing traditions and legacy that metal-type printing has left behind. Much of this information has been lost by the passage of time, and its preservation in this book is essential for anyone studying typefaces, typography, and its history. Structured by alphabetically-listed type families, these typefaces and their variant forms are shown in full alphabets - upper and lower case with numerals and punctuation. The specimens themselves are cleanly reproduced from metal types for maximum clarity. The text is detailed and informative, not only identifying the designer, foundry, and date of issue but also the range of sizes and closely similar designs by other founders. The history, aims, and purpose behind many of these typefaces are also described, along with production problems encountered and individual characteristics. Additional information includes extensive appendices listing common pseudonyms, popular imports, and antique faces, plus American Typefounders, Monotype, and Ludlow series numbers. The indexes provide easy access to typeface names as well as names of designers, punch cutters, matrix engravers, and other tradesman. The history of metal types and printing, now forever preserved, has long affected the spread of human civilization. Oak Knoll Press is proud to offer this work to generations of graphic designers, typographers, printing and graphic arts enthusiasts all over the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Oak Knoll Books; 2nd Revised edition (December 3, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938768395
• ISBN-13: 978-0938768395
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "THE" indispensable reference for the subject, August 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: American Metal Typefaces of the Twentieth Century, 2nd Revised Edition (Paperback)

Mac McGrew has comiled an amazingly complete sample book of very nearly every metal typeface made in the United States in the 20th century, which number in the thousands. The addition of additional notes and tidbits makes it more entertaining, but primarily this is an encyclopedic reference, showing each typeface, with information on designer, foundry, history of the face, and cross-references to closely related faces. Highly recommended

5.0 out of 5 stars A Typeface Authority "Must Have", March 30, 2011

By 

TruckNightDJ - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: American Metal Typefaces of the Twentieth Century, 2nd Revised Edition (Paperback)

If your able to secure a copy of this book for your own, You should. This Book gives the who, what, where and when about Metal Type faces. Being a Journeyman Letterpress Printer, It's my refrence on matching Metal Type styles. Having the only known complete working collection of Metal Script Fonts for a Ludlow Typograph Machine. I searched the World for them. It gave me the needed knowledge to know all what was available at one time. Any questions [e-mail]

It's rare to find one of these books.