Counterpunch: Making type in the sixteenth century, designing typefaces now [Paperback]

Fred Smeijers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1997

Counterpunch is both an explanation of the 16th-century method of?cutting metal type and an impassioned plea for contemporary designers to incorporate the lessons of history as a means of creating typography in our digital age. Smeijers sees the counterpunch technique as essential for ensuring the regularity of form, repeatability, and speed of production necessary for rational design.?

?Smeijers traces the history of letterform design to discover how technique influenced the shape of type, whether the metal punches of the past or today's computer-generated forms. Counterpunch is generously?illustrated with drawings by the author, examples of early type specimens, and detailed photographs of punches.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Counterpunch is written in an entertaining manner and Smeijer's wit frequently shines through .... The book's carefully considered design, a bibliography, and a useful index complete a work that is warmly recommended to anyone interested in type. Kaspar Brand, Page

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press; 1 edition (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0907259065
• ISBN-13: 978-0907259060
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book for students, September 10, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Indra Kupferschmid, Weimar, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Counterpunch: Making type in the sixteenth century, designing typefaces now (Paperback)

If you are a student interested in Typography, than you have to read this book. It is not only about punchcutting in its techniques but provides a lot of basic information on the subject type in general. Because of his direct and logic way of writing Fred Smeijers succeeds in explaining you the most complex things you where always confused about before (method of handcasting type, old techniques, the historical connections). He also explains what we can learn from all that for now and the future. It is greatly illustrated, beautifully designed and so lively written that you have to read it like a novel, not able to stop anymore. I hope Fred Smeijers continues writing so interesting books.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most important book a type designer will ever read., March 30, 2002

By 

Raymond Larabie "font jerk" (Vancouver, BC Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Counterpunch: Making type in the sixteenth century, designing typefaces now (Paperback)

I've read a lot of books on type and this is the only one with a practical guide on how to create your own typefaces. I'm sure more people who read this book aren't going to start making their own metal type but the lessons learned in this book easily translate to the world of creating digital typefaces. After reading this it changed the way I design typefaces, completely. Now, instean of merely moving bezier control points, I imagine myself cutting metal and re-using counterpunches. Sometimes I "oversize" my counters a bit, as if I were hammering them in a bit more. If you're a type designer, or just interested in type, put this one in your shopping cart immediately.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for students and type designers, July 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Counterpunch: Making type in the sixteenth century, designing typefaces now (Paperback)

I was surprised by Mr. Smeijers ability to speak volumes of relevance about the digital era. As a student interested in typography and type design I was enthralled. I couldn't put it down.

This book is a must read.