Customer Reviews

From Gutenberg to OpenType: An Illustrated History of Type from the Earliest Letterforms to the Latest Digital Fonts

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From Gutenberg To Open Type: An Illustrated History Of Type From The Earliest Letterforms To The Latest Digital Fonts by Robin Dodd (Associate Lecturer, London College of Communications) is a seminal and detailed historical survey of the printed letter from the era of the Gutenberg press moveable fonts down to today's desktop publishing software typefaces. Profusely illustrated throughout, From Gutenberg To Open Type is especially recommended to the attention of academicians, authors, publishers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the history of printing as well as professionals, artists and designers who work with type design and print. Of special note are the side panels to the regular text that explains how to use individual typefaces, notes common pitfalls, and showcases specifically related benefits to a given font. Informed and informative, From Gutenberg To Open Type is a welcome addition to personal, professional, and academic library reference collections.

Finally, a great book on typefaces! I must have a dozen books on type, and this book has leaped to the front on my list!

Most books on fonts are written for graphic artist professionals, who generally care little about the history of type, but are big into the 'feel' of type. I find these too ephemeral, too highbrow, for someone with a scientific background. Others are written for people interested in the history of type, printing, etc., and provide no information on using type today.

This book covers both bases well. It treats type faces historically, tells why some were invented (some fonts were developed as a result of the invention of advertising) and gives (at least to those of us who do graphic design work part-time-I work for a small company and do occasional graphic design) hints on using type faces, like which faces generally do well as body type versus headline matter, when leading or spacing is needed, etc. Great examples, both historic and current, show examples of many fonts in use.

Very well printed, in a large enough size to make examples clearly visible (where many type books fail) and provides multiple examples of using each type face (another common failing). Highly recommended for everyone interested in the history of printing and to beginners and amateurs in the use of typography today.

What every person needs to know anout the major fonts: their inventors, unique qualities their history, and their historical family of fonts.

It was nice doing business with you. I got the item in good condition. Keep it up!