The Non-Designer's Type Book [Paperback]

Robin Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0201353679 | ISBN-13: 978-0201353679

This latest addition to Robin Williams' Non-Designers line of books not only defines the principles governing type but explains the logic behind them so readers can understand and see what looks best and why. Armed with this knowledge, and putting into practice the secrets Robin reveals for making type readable and artistic, readers can then go on to create beautiful, sophisticated, professional-looking pages on their computers for output as hard copy or for use on Web pages.

Each short chapter explores a different type secret including use of evocative typography, tailoring typeface to project, working with spacing, punctuation marks, special characters, fonts, justification, and much more. It is written in the lively, engaging style that has made Williams one of the most popular computer authors today. And it uses numerous examples to illustrate the subtle details that make the difference between good and sophisticated use of type. The non-platform specific, non-software specific approach to the book makes this a must-have for any designer's bookshelf - from type novices to more experienced graphic designers and typesetters.

Please note! If you've read Beyond the Mac is not a typewriter then you don't need this book. This book is almost exactly the same as Beyond the Mac is not a typewriter.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Williams teaches electronic typography and has written some excellent books on digital design (e.g., The Non-Designer's Design Book, Peachpit, 1994). Anyone who has misplaced a font they just downloaded from a web site or who has witnessed the horrific use of type on many personal web sites knows how badly these books are needed. Clear explanations and good illustrations are the hallmarks of both volumes. There is little overlap, since one deals with managing the electronic fonts and the other with the uses of type. These gems are recommended for most collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

This latest addition to Robin Williams' Non-Designers line of books not only defines the principles governing type but explains the logic behind them so readers can understand and see what looks best and why. Armed with this knowledge, and putting into practice the secrets Robin reveals for making type readable and artistic, readers can then go on to create beautiful, sophisticated, professional-looking pages on their computers for output as hard copy or for use on Web pages.

Each short chapter explores a different type secret including use of evocative typography, tailoring typeface to project, working with spacing, punctuation marks, special characters, fonts, justification, and much more. It is written in the lively, engaging style that has made Williams one of the most popular computer authors today. And it uses numerous examples to illustrate the subtle details that make the difference between good and sophisticated use of type. The non-platform specific, non-software specific approach to the book makes this a must-have for any designer's bookshelf - from type novices to more experienced graphic designers and typesetters.

Please note! If you've read Beyond the Mac is not a typewriter then you don't need this book. This book is almost exactly the same as Beyond the Mac is not a typewriter.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press (July 24, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201353679
• ISBN-13: 978-0201353679
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #475,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robin Williams is the author of dozens of best-selling and award-winning books, including Robin Williams Mac OS X Book, The Little Mac Book, The Non-Designer's Design Book, Robin Williams Design Workshop, and Web Design Workshop. Through her writing, teaching, and seminars, Robin has influenced a generation of computer users in the areas of design, typography, desktop publishing, the Mac, and the World Wide Web.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for beginner to mid-weight Graphic Designers, May 17, 2001

By 

[e-mail] (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Non-Designer's Type Book (Paperback)

Robin Williams covers just what you really need to know in this short book. No useless chatter, just important information in a what-to-do and what-not-to-do manner with just the perfect dash of sarcasm and humour to create a relaxed atmosphere for learning.

The book begins with a bit of the history and structure of fonts. Very important information for beginners. But it immediately gets into information which results in an immediate improvement in your work whether you are a typesetter or graphic designer. You would now know what makes for tacky typography and what rules you could break to create a more artistic, daring, and edgy piece of work.

Every topic is accompanied by an illustration of the wrong way and the right way to do things and a list of the fonts used in the illustration (VERY HELPFUL!)

This is definitely a must-have book for anyone in the world of print media.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just bundle this one with the Non-Designer's Design Book!, November 7, 2001

By 

R. Stephen Gracey (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Non-Designer's Type Book (Paperback)

In my opinion, the "Non-Designer's Type Book" should just be considered "Volume II" of a boxed set with the "Non-Designer's Design Book." Its introduction to basic typography--the design and use of letters--is as elegant and understandable as the first book's introduction to graphic design.

From a basic history and classification of typefaces, to suggestions for how to mix and match them, Williams gives you all the basic advice you need to ensure that your work will never look like it was created by a chimpanzee hitting keys at random.

As always, Williams teaches sound principles, which you can apply again and again, but backs them up with a host of examples and alternatives. First things, first, though: Read the Non-Designer's Design Book first before you "graduate" to typography!

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The First Book to Buy for Anyone Entering the World of Type, November 29, 1999

By 

Stephen J. Coles (Oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Non-Designer's Type Book (Paperback)

While the title suggests it's a weak primer for amateurs it is actually an excellent read for all those needing to review the basics of typography. Your work will look better and your confidence will improve after reading this book. Williams style is casual, often humorous, and always easily understood.

Too bad it's just a repackaging of Beyond the Mac is Not a Typewriter. I bought it cluelessly as there is no indication on the cover. A bit of a sales scam behind a generally good book.