A Typographic Workbook: A Primer to History, Techniques, and Artistry

by Kate Clair, Cynthia Busic-Snyder

Lavishly illustrated with more than 450 images, A Typographic Workbook, Second Edition explains the process successful designers use to select, space, and creatively integrate fonts. This essential text demonstrates the use of type as a dynamic and expressive communication tool. This edition provides new and updated coverage of a broad range of topics–from a logical, clear historical overview of the craft to the latest digital technologies. Known for its highly interactive format, this Second Edition continues to include helpful review questions and multiple-choice quizzes, as well as many new projects and skill-building exercises that help readers immediately apply what they have learned. A Typographic Workbook, Second Edition is a valuable professional resource for working designers and an indispensable training tool for graphic design students.

Genres: Design, Art, Reference, Nonfiction, History

Paperback

First published January 4, 1999

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

yet another useless book, a vague digest of other people's books. it is about ancient writing systems, because, you know, egyptians used the movable type so it is relevant. they will add all sort of crap about all sort of vaguely related crap, making it a book about nothing. pick one subject, write about it. only clair can barely write a two part blog post on any of the subjects.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just a book on typography - it's a workbook on the history of writing from the era of pressing a stylus into a tablet of clay through Gutenberg, from Roman rustic and cancellaresca through Bodoni and modern typeforms. It's a thorough overview of the evolution of the written word, and it's lovingly typeset - each page is in a different font and the illustrations are lavish. I found it to be a wonderful overview of the journey that typography (and writing in itself!) has taken: from reed pens and papyrus to today's digital means. If you're a graphic artist or just interested in history, this is an excellent teaching book. Comes with quizzes and review questions on each chapter's contents. I'm actually reading the updated 2nd edition now - I also own this book's first edition.

[Edcy Irizarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

It is a very creative way to learn History, not only type! If all history books were like this one I would make it to the last page of each one and never quit half-way! the different designs used in the book really help with memorizing and learning the deets about the history and the illustrations prompt interest in the topic!