H.F. Henderson: Understanding Molecular Typography

by Woody Leslie (Artist)

A stupendous introduction to studying the chemical and physical underpinnings of letters Understanding Molecular Typography , an artist’s book by Woody Leslie, introduces readers to the lost science of molecular typography, the study of the chemical and physical underpinnings of letters. According to molecular typography, all characters are formed from seven basic atomic building typtoms. These typtoms come together in various combinations to form letters, numbers and punctuation. Typtoms are not just theoretical tools for exploring the anatomy of type, but actual particles.

Leslie brings readers a reprint of the seminal 1992 textbook, Understanding Molecular Typography . Part primer, part field guide, the book makes the science of molecular typography accessible to readers. It lays out the basic principles of the field, followed by detailed diagrams of the molecular formation of type. A conclusion sums up the field to date, and a comprehensive bibliography provides valuable reference for the reader looking to learn more.

Genres: Design

105 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2019

Reviews

[Joshua Bohnsack · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will never look at letters the same way again.

[John Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every now and again, you can hope to come across a book that has the potential to revolutionise how a discipline is understood. This book is not that book! I started it with high hopes, but soon realised that the author had completely misunderstood the basic relationships in typography. What he spends the book descibing is actually an atomic analogy, not molecular, in my view. The elements that make up letters are akin to the electrons, positons and neutrons of atoms, together with valency. Letters together as words are the molecules, of course. Given that this book has so clearly missed the mark, perhaps there is after all, an opening for my own contribution: The True Chemistry of Type(forthcoming).

Such a diappointment! And despite a great deal of searching, I was unable to find any of the references in the bibliography!

[Shona H · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing topic I knew nothing about! A fascinating and thorough introduction to the subject.