Collection of type specimens and publications related to type founding, 1907-1993, undated

Format:

Other

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Type and type-founding.

Genre:

type specimens (documents)

Physical Description:

1 box (.4 Linear Feet)

Place of Publication:

1907-1993, undated

Biography/History:

A typeface is the design of letters, numbers, and symbols used in printing and electric display. Typefaces are designed by type designers and produced commercially by type foundries. Typefaces are a major element in the art of typography, which is the arrangement of type to make printed language legible and appealing. In addition to typefaces, typographers employ point sizes, line lengths, and spacing to accomplish these goals. The earliest modern typeface, known as blackletter or Textura, appeared in Germany in the 1450s with Johannes Gutenberg's movable-type printing press and his Gutenberg Bible, the earliest book printed in Europe using this mass-produced method. The name Caslon, which appears repeatedly in this collection, refers to English typefounder William Caslon (1692/93-1766). He was the first major typefounder in England and his typefaces and designs are still widely used today.

Summary:

This collection contains type face specimens and other publications about type foundry from 27 foundries and typography companies dating from 1907 to 1983. The specimens and other publications are from the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and England. A type specimen is a sample sheet showing the font or fonts available for printers from a type foundry or typography company. This collection contains both font catalogs with several typefaces produced by the company and specimens showcasing an individual typeface. These specimens often include a blurb about the typeface; samples of the typeface in different sizes and in bold and italic versions; and character sets. There are also specimens with samples of borders and other ornamental printing elements.

OCLC:

1583195196