Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This artfully designed "Initiation in Typography" sets in on a large scale, the proportions in outer space, and ends with the smallest of typographic scales, with typefaces. Skillfully, the authors introduce the reader to the world of visual design and typography, arouse curiosity through an elaborate aesthetics, and disclose the magic of typography page after page. Impressively short and precise texts familiarise the reader with the respective subject matter; difficulties of typography are illustrated through simple geometric shapes. The first chapter deals with the question of proportions: mathematical systems, golden section, paper formats, grid systems, and typographic measuring units. Chapter 2 is concerned with the tension between black and white: design problems, principles of typographical arrangement, and the harmony of black and white. In chapter 3, typographic details are discussed: the origin of character forms, type families and historical typefaces. Through the use of slightly transparent paper, the effect of particular grid systems becomes obvious. This transparency brings about the emergence of a different pattern on every page - a remarkably different book.