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

Robin Dodd (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This lively account of the printed word draws together the histories of typography and printing into one robustly illustrated volume, and describes how dramatic changes in technology have affected type design. Historical paintings, engravings, and photographs give a visual context to the different eras of type design and print, and key typefaces from each historical era are discussed and compared to others of the era. The original use of each typeface is pictured alongside contemporary examples, providing a broad sense of the character of each face. Sidebars explain how to use individual typefaces, warn of pitfalls, and highlight the particular benefits of using the face. A superb and engaging introduction to the world of typography, the book is also a vital reference for anyone who works with type and knows that understanding the history of letterforms is key to using type creatively and effectively.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Hartley and Marks Publishers; 1 edition (May 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881792101
• ISBN-13: 978-0881792102
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,866 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A welcome addition, October 6, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally-a great book on type!, November 17, 2009

By	Colin Povey "cpovey" (Clearwater, FL, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Gutenberg to Opentype, January 5, 2008

By	Eucalyptus Jones "amature designer" (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

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