Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

From American Typewriter to Zapf Dingbats - this highly engaging and fascinating visual reference helps novices and experts alike identify the typefaces we encounter every day. A quarter of a century ago hardly anybody knew what a font was, let alone the difference between Times Roman and Palatino. But in the present era of blogs, social media, and even a feature film devoted entirely to Helvetica, choosing a typeface is as important as picking the right tie for a job interview, and identifying fonts has evolved into a 21st-century urbanite's version of bird-watching. Written for type fanatics of all stripes, award-winning designer Peter Dawson draws on his immense knowledge to help readers identify and understand the fonts that appear in our daily lives. Inspired by traditional field guides, each spread examines one typeface in depth, listing its designer, year of release, and a brief history that addresses its origins, common uses, and distinguishing characteristics. Hundreds of color photographs reveal typefaces at work in airports and train stations, on smartphones and book jackets, online and in signage. Also included are interviews with influential designers such as Freda Sack, Henrik Kubel, and Jason Smith, and tips for distinguishing between similar-looking fonts. Brimming with facts and photos, this helpful guide offers aspiring as well as proficient "font spotters" all the information they need to identify type in the real world.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Creative use of the field guide format makes this title highly desirable and abundantly useful for anyone studying typography at any level. The title stays faithful to the functionality of a true field guide, providing a wealth of full-color example photos as well as a history for each typeface. This guide by British designer Dawson enables readers to identify typefaces in the real world by making use of details provided for each typeface, including information that highlights key characteristics of the letterforms. Organized in a logical, helpful manner, the material is delivered efficiently for quick retrieval. Information on the large number of typefaces covered is supplemented with cross-references to similar typefaces to fine-tune readers' ability to distinguish and differentiate. The volume also provides designer profiles of several artists that enhance appreciation of the art form. Although one guide could not possibly cover all typefaces in existence, this title covers an impressive number of those that are basic to any study of typography. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. J. C. Burns Dixie State University