For anyone who has an interest in type design, some
knowledge ofthe history of type faces is invaluable. Many
different factors have determined their development. The
changes that occurred over five centuries (exemplified by the
ways in which the great printer-publishers used types) reflect
often radically different approaches to the presentation and
dissemination of texts. The types created by renowned
designers such as Baskerville, Bodoni, Caslon, Morison and
Goudy were not produced in a vacuum, but resulted from
a detailed knowledge ofthe solutions offered by past
practitioners, allied to innovative genius. Today, when
computer-aided design seems to make anything possible,
there has never been a greater need to study the practical
achievements of our predecessors.

This classic work was originally published in 1961 and, unlike
many other books about typography and printing, has stood
the test of time. It has always been a scarce book, but those
who have been lucky enough to have access to a copy would
surely agree with Alan Bartram, who states in his Foreword
that he has 'found its admirably concise arrangement
immensely useful'. Adding to the usefulness are the many
illustrations, expertly chosen from items in the collections of
The British Library and the St Bride Foundation Printing
Library.

ISBN 0 7123 4563 9 (uk)
isbn 1 884718 44 2 (usa)