Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

This book steps back from the usual typographic discussions found in style and design manuals and places type in the context of the larger social and cultural movements that influenced and were influenced by it, from the Arts and Crafts movement of William Morris to deconstruction in our own time. Beautifully illustrated, carefully researched, and eloquently presented, this volume traces type decade by decade through the turbulence of the century and the rapid changes in technology and viewpoint that repeatedly threatened to degrade the craft and from which it always emerged fresh and vital. Recommended for all graphic arts and larger art collections. See also Robert Bringhurst's The Elements of Typographic Style and Alex White's Type in Use , reviewed below.--Ed.-- Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., N.Y. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Books on type generally come in two forms as type specimen books or as historical references on communication. The one under review attempts to do both and succeeds as a highly visual and informative survey on significant typographic achievements of the past century from handsetting to computer composition. Beginning with a brief introduction on the purpose and structure of the book, one is immediately swept on a chronological journey of type and design history. Major 20th century art movements are discussed and their influence on type and design is reviewed and visually documented. Each decade from 1890 to 1990 is introduced with a broad historical perspective and visual survey featuring the typefaces and outstanding designers of the period as well as important examples of contemporary graphic design. The book is lavishly illustrated and beautifully printed; the large-page format generously accommodates the text, captions, and 400 illustrations (more than half in full color). The detailed captions give in-depth, critical analyses of type styles and their application in a wide range of design examples. A section on type description and classification attempts to organize and classify the thousands of typefaces created by discussing the historical precedents and unique characteristics of type structure and design. A valuable resource for college students and an important reference for print historians and type scholars. D. Ichiyama; Purdue University