The Elements of Typographic Style, 2nd Edition, revised and enlarged, by Robert Bringhurst. Hartley & Marks, Publisher. ISBN 0-88179-132-6. Paperback $24.95 in the USA/$29.95 in Canada.
This book captures for the reader the fundamental principles of good typography along with an in-depth study of the history and development of type. Each page is itself a testament of how the relationship of form and content plays an important part in producing visually pleasing printed matter. Covering the visual evolution of type from Nicolas Jenson's refinement of the Roman typeface to the Emigre digital type foundry with Rudy Vandrerlans and Zuzana Licko, the book elegantly captures the essence of good typography.
Bringhurst does not present rules or regulations that must be followed, but rather encourages the reader to use the basic fundamental principles and then add his/her own interpretation in the use of type in design. Throughout each chapter are short topic statements that are written in outline with accompanying text that further describes the particular statement: as an example, in chapter one "The Grand Design," statement 1.2.2 says Discover the outer logic of the typography in the inner logic of the text.
In Chapter ten, "Prowling the Specimen Books," the author gives examples of major type faces followed by historical reference to their development as we view them today.
The appendices provide a clear precise history of the development of type, type designers and the nomenclature of type, providing a quick reference for the beginning student as well as the professional. The Elements of Typographic Style is a must for every serious designer.
This book was designed by Robert Bringhurst, set into type by Robert Bringhurst and Susanne Gilbert at the Typeworks in Vancouver, and printed and bound by Quebecor in Kingsport, Tennessee
