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

Robin Dodd

​(from the publisher) 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.

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(from Michael) is not only an educational and interesting history of type, it’s an extremely beautiful book. It’s so beautiful. In fact, that I could not make even one mark in it, as I do with almost every other book I buy. This is a book you can read from cover to cover, or just stick in a finger, read a random page, and have an enjoyable and productive learning experience. The design of this large-format color book may make other book designers jealous, and stimulate them to work harder.

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​$19.77, order from Amazon.com

$19.87, order from Barnes & Noble

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