The Geometry of Type is an intricate look at the construction of 100 traditional and modern typefaces. All of the 100 are given a double-page spread, with certain characters enlarged and annotated to showcase key features, anatomical details, and the finer, often-overlooked elements of type design.
Excerpted from the spread above:
“Bembo is the most popular of the Renaissance serifs, frequently called upon for setting elegant book text ever since it was cut by Monotype in 1929. The digital version, however, is a feeble shadow of the metal type. Like so many of the revivals that appeared in desktop publishing’s early years, Bembo is far too delicate for modern printing, and certainly for the screen. Monotype went back to the digital drawing board for Bembo Book, which retains the proper weight of the original. It also offers a very welcome alternative ‘R’ with a leg that doesn’t stretch so far, thereby not creating gaps or tripping its neighbours. Good for: Long text on good, soft paper. Historical novels.”
Get a copy from Thames & Hudson, or on Amazon.com (different title, same book — The Anatomy of Type) / Amazon.co.uk.
View the book’s website. Follow the author and typographer Stephen Coles on Twitter.
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