The Complete Manual of Typography (Paperback)

by Jim Felici (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Clear and elegant...There's no better or more useful introduction to the whole craft of typography." -- Roger Black, Danilo Black, Inc.

"The ultimate typographic tool: a concise, beautiful book that pulls together everything you need to produce great typography." -- Frank Romano, RIT School of Print Media

Product Description

[Testimonials]
"The ultimate typographic tool: a concise, beautiful book that pulls together everything you need to produce great typography."
--Frank Romano, RIT School of Print Media

"Clear and elegant...There's no better or more useful introduction to the whole craft of typography."
--Roger Black, Danilo Black, Inc.

"All you've always wanted to know about type and typography but never dared to ask. Jim Felici brings together a vast amount of knowledge in this book. Must-have!"
--Erik Spiekermann, author, Stop Stealing Sheep (and Find Out How Type Works)

This book is about how type should look and how to make it look that way; in other words, how to set type like a professional. It releases the craft knowledge that used to reside almost exclusively in the heads of people working in type shops. The shops are gone, the technologies have changed, but the goal remains the same. This book explains in very practical terms how to use today's computerized tools to achieve that secret of good design: well-set type.

Beautifully designed and richly illustrated, The Complete Manual of Typography is an essential reference for anyone who works with type. Designers, print production professionals, and corporate communications managers can go straight to the index to find focused answers to specific questions, while educators and students can read it as a textbook from cover to cover. You'll find:

• History, basic concepts, and anatomy of good typography, concisely presented and indexed for quick reference by busy professionals.
• Straight-ahead instructions for how to manage fonts, handle corrupted or missing fonts, and find the characters you need.
• Clear, useful explanations of what makes good type good (and bad type bad) .
• Detailed guidance on controlling the fundamentals of type, including measure, point size, leading, kerning, and hyphenation and justification.
• Practical advice on how to fix and avoid composition problems such as loose lines, bad rags, widows and orphans.
• Hard-to-find rules for managing indents and alignments, skews, wraps, expert-set characters, and tables.
• Scores of workarounds that show how to wring good type out of uncooperative word-processing and layout programs.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Adobe Press (October 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321127307
• ISBN-13: 978-0321127303
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,097 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Graphic Design > Typography
  #9 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Graphic Design > Typography
  #67 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Computer Science > Software Engineering > Information Systems

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers past history, letter architecture and future computer typesetting, September 9, 2005

By	Blair "masterblair" (West Hollyweird, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I am only half way through this book (so much in it I have to take it a few pages at a time). The history of type is covered (and should be read to learn vocabulary...but has a great glossary if you just want to learn terms in other sections as you go along...21 pages of glossary.)

Seems like 1/4 of the book is history and the architecture of font AND typeface (yes...the book is so in depth it tells the difference between the two). The final 3/4 is on typesetting good and bad, how to do it with various computer programs (though no program is emphasized as each program will be good at one thing and bad at another and he wants to keep it as generic as possible so you can apply equally). It is written in a fairly straightforward language and you only have to scratch your head a couple of times (Plenty of Visual Examples are included). In fact, seeing how they do typesetting of this review is already causing some agrivation now that I know just a few things to look for. .

As I read in a magazine I use for graphic design...the best advice a graphical designer for what to have a great knowledge of is Typography. Even if your desing work is middle of the road your typography will give it a more cohessive look and feel and is probably the top number one thing to master...and I am beginning to agree. The book is set up to be used as either a reference guide or a textbook...your choice. I recomend this book as your first choice. Another book is "Logo, Font and Lettering Bible" by Cabaraga...if you are into designing, letters, logos and symbols.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as it gets!, April 27, 2005

By	Cadmium Red "a teacher and an artist" (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This book belongs in the pantheon of well written, well presented expertise. If you liked Bringhurst's gem of a book, add this one to your library. The organization, writing and examples are exemplary. Felici's sense of humor is a treat. His sense of fit a balm to the weary.

If you are type & text junkie this will soothe your jones. If you care about type this will make it clearer. Even if you are an oldster with plenty of practice this book will add something to your arsenal. At the very least you will find how to explain all that H&J arcania more clearly to others.

And, as a last thought, I appreciate the restraint in the design of the book. It serves the subject well.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Complete Resource, January 16, 2003

By	Deborah A Hahn (Nebraska) - See all my reviews

After searching for sources on typography, I chose this one based on reviews and the index. A+++ decision on my part as it has to be the best reference available. Reading it has been more than a pleasure as it is so complete and well written. Mr. Felici discusses each area of typography with fine detail and clarity. The book is perfectly organized, concise, beautifully typeset. Anyone and everyone who wishes to communicate well with whatever software program available to them and for whatever purpose (graphic design, print, desktop publshing or web) would benefit greatly from Mr. Felici's Complete Manual of Typography!
Thanks, James for all the details in one outstanding source.