Customer Reviews

The Handy Book of Artistic Printing: Collection of Letterpress Examples with Specimens of Type, Ornament, Corner Fills, Borders, Twisters, Wrinklers, and other Freaks of Fancy

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If my university library is ever missing some of its Victorian-era books -- the ones with those elaborate cover designs and long-winded titles -- the prime suspect will be me. However, the danger of me actually stealing one of these objects of desire is much lessened now that I can enjoy a full tour of the whole of artistic printing in one lush volume. What a cool book, and you can tell just from the title how much fun the authors had putting this luxurious masterpiece together. The writing is packed with fun facts, scholarly history, and wry commentary, and the images are a plentiful, detailed, and take you back to a time when people just went nuts with their printing presses. Now that my first copy has been broken in, I'm hoping someone gives me another copy for my birthday (wink wink!) to keep in pristine condition. For everyone who has taken a fancy to the printing on everything from old-West wanted posters to antique packages, this book is a total treat.

Finally a book about an art (yes printing can be an art) that was neglected by mainstream book publishing.
This book is fun, interesting and well written. The samples shown are incredible.
I suggest it to everybody: from the historian to the lover of contemporary cool type.
There is always something to learn from the past and from this book there is plenty to learn.

During the late 19th century printers, engravers and lithographers challenged traditional design by introducing exotic images and quirky typefaces known as 'artistic' style. Letterpress printers grabbed it and packaging, ads and more were changes by the new commercial styles. Then it suddenly became unpopular. The rise and fall of this style is traced in a largely neglected survey of this era of design history and makes for a powerful selection for any arts collection.

Just like my title says, this is a great reference book. Tons if illustration that's perfect for inspiration. Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.

I do not know where you would get much of this information beside this tome. Well written and profusely illustrated!