Arabic Typography [Paperback]

Huda Smitshuijzen Abifares (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0863563473 | ISBN-13: 978-0863563478

In the twenty-first century, the widespread integration of computer technologies has brought text-based information into many facets of everyday life. This has caused an ever-growing interest in typography across many fields of visual communication, where text and letterform play a central role in disseminating social trends and reflecting the spirit of the times.

Arabic Typography takes the reader through a comprehensive study of Arabic letterforms, starting with a concise historical overview of their development and styles, and proceeding to the latest design and technological advances. It attempts to establish the foundations for Arabic type-design by drawing lessons from past practices and aesthetic conventions, in order to retain the enduring traits that are of relevance for improvement and innovation in future type-design creations.

Going beyond the historical facts to discuss current design issues pertaining to the creation and production of letterforms, it presents Arabic typographic design as an essential communication tool that should marry functionality and legibility to aesthetic delight.

This book will serve as a valuable reference on Arabic typography, and as an educational guide for design students, professionals and anyone who uses Arabic type and enjoys the visual appearance of this language and its letterforms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Astonishing . . . a masterwork . . . offers a thorough foundation in Arabic typography and type design.' --Ken Friedman, Design Research News

'A sound volume for the student and interested professional alike. Further type design developments, will be assisted, if not provoked, by Arabic Typography.' --Baseline

Book Description

Designed for everyone using Arabic type, this practical book is a comprehensive study of Arabic letterforms and styles. It includes a concise overview of the development of Arabic typography and discusses the latest design and creation of letterforms, presenting Arabic typographic design as an essential communication tool marrying functionality to aesthetic delight.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Saqi Books (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863563473
• ISBN-13: 978-0863563478
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #772,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent first on the subject, June 9, 2002

By 

Ahmad Humeid (Amman, Jordan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arabic Typography (Paperback)

Not only does this book provide an excellent overview of the history of Arabic script and printing, but it also lays out a vision and guidelines for the development of contemporary Arabic fonts. The book also focuses on the history and state of Arabic printing (as opposed to Arabic calligraphy), and highlights the technical challenges that arose from the adoption of what essentially is a calligraphic script to mechanical (or digital) printing processes.

The book ends with a selection of type designs by contemporary Arab type designers, which gives the reader a feel of what is happening out there in this field.

I recommend this (beatifully designed) book to anyone who deals with Arabic publishing, design or type design.