Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A biography of Frederic W. Goudy (1865-1947), the American designer of typefaces who was considered one of the leading type makers in history. The illustrations show the evolution of Goudy's typefaces, from drawings to printed samples, as well as many examples of his page designs.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Goudy (1865-1947) was an American innovator in typeface design and manufacture, creator of more than 100 faces, many still popular today. In this first major critical study--the second volume in a projected biographical series on major figures of 20th-century American design-- New York Times Book Review editor Bruckner presents a lively and informative survey of Goudy's varied careers as author, type designer, and businessman (founder of the Village Press, an influential private printing press). The author analyzes in detail many of Goudy's typefaces and airs conflicting opinions regarding his contributions as a designer. Numerous, well-chosen illustrations attest to Goudy's design skills. Recommended for large graphic design collections.-- Stephen Rees, Bucks Cty. Free Lib., Levittown, Pa. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Because Goudy is arguably the most important American type designer of the first half of this century, this book is a necessary one. Goudy faces dominated the advertising and publication design of the 1920s and 1930s; this book illuminates both the man and his influence. This, the second of the "Masters of American Design" series, continues to establish the series as a major contribution to the documentation of the history of American graphic design. Like its predecessor, A. Grundberg's Brodovitch (CH, May'90), this book is profusely illustrated with photographs of Goudy at work and with examples of that work. The combination of illustrations and interestingly written text makes for a beautiful, informative example of the book arts. For those who are ignorant of Goudy as a person and as an influential typographer, Bruckner provides education; those familiar with Goudy's work will enjoy the biographic details, which are presented in book form for the first time. The writing style is exemplary of the manner in which design criticism and design history should be written. Bruckner is critical of Goudy when he sees the need and is not hesitant to call attention to important typefaces that might have been better designed. A significant contribution to an understanding of American graphic design; highly recommended to all libraries. -R. M. Labuz, Mohawk Valley Community College