Typography

Basics Design #3

by Gavin Ambrose, Paul Harris

Effective use of typography can produce a neutral effect or rouse the passions, symbolise artistic, political or philosophical movements, or express the personality of a person or organisation. Typefaces vary from clear and distinguishable letterforms that are suitable for extended blocks of text, to more dramatic and eye-catching typefaces that grab attention and are used in newspaper headlines and advertisements. "Basics Design: Typography" aims to impart a comprehensive understanding of typography, to explore its history, theory and practice. Aimed at both students and practising designers, it provides a thorough examination of how typography informs other aspects of creative design.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book to leave around on the coffee table and flip through.

Less impressive if you read it cover to cover: doesn't feel that well organized or complete.

[Laura Eydmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment in this series, lots of inspiring examples of great typography in many different mediums. The book covers the basics, typefaces, styles, anatomy of a typeface and classifications, with plenty of good images to illustrate points and terms.

It then leads onto setting type, the basics and rules followed by some more in depth information. Again, there are plenty of photos of work, and diagrams to help explain. Most of this I have read before and already knew, but there were some new bits and pieces in there about type that I didn’t know – worth a look to learn the basics of setting type, but also good as a refresher or reminder.

There is also a chapter on type generation – hand drawn type and designing a typeface – not a particularly in-depth chapter, but if it makes you interested, there are hundreds of books on this subject out there…

Finally there are two chapters of examples of lovely typography – type realisation showing different materials and printing techniques and how they render type, followed by type in practice.

A good all round introduction to typography, with some good information on setting type, and a nice introduction to other aspects of typography, such as design, materials and print techniques. A definite recommendation! All of these books so far have been very good – lots of inspiring work and ideas to help kickstart a project.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

an excellent basic intro to typography.

[Petr Šimčík · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asi ne nejobsáhlejší, ale pro mě zatím nejsrozumitelnější příručka o písmu. Měl jsem ji pučenou a určitě zakoupím.

[Abdelrahman Magdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Antara]

very informative and useful

[Alex Devero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This excellent text is a visual treat in teaching typography and the use of fonts.

[Karolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice explanation about fonts and their graphic use. I recommend it for beginners.