Bruce Rogers, a pivotal figure in twentieth-century book design, is celebrated for his remarkable contributions and enduring influence. His career flourished at Cambridge's Riverside Press, where he succeeded D. B. Updike in 1896 and remained until 1912. During this time, he managed his own department and crafted over sixty titles for Houghton Mifflin's Riverside Press Editions. His legacy as the ultimate "artificer of the book" is explored through extensive writings about his life and work, highlighting his artistic vision and dedication to the craft.
Throughout the twentieth century, modern design theories in combination with newer printing technologies offered book designers far more options than were previously available to them. Utilizing these resources, some skillful artisans produced stunning designs in period style, arranging modern re-cuttings of early type designs with historical decoration that resulted in the creation of truly beautiful books; while others preferred a more contemporary aesthetic, building upon earlier principles in a fresh, novel manner. Through the selection of eleven master designers, Jerry Kelly illustrates a wide range of styles: from classically inspired design and historical revival, to novel and modern layouts. He describes the care with which each designer combined typographic elements in their own unique way. The selection of these designers, ranging from Updike to Zapf, is only a small sampling of the practitioners that the twentieth century produced, but they are indicative of the wide range of book design styles achieved during this exceptionally dynamic century. With insightful commentary and carefully selected illustrations, Kelly highlights these important practitioners of the craft of book design, which while by no means is totally inclusive, introduce the reader to exquisite examples of quality book design of the twentieth century and the principles behind them.
Exploring the evolution of typography, this book delves into the artistry behind type design, highlighting figures like Garamond, Baskerville, and Bodoni. It traces the journey from Gutenberg's revolutionary printing press to modern digital type, showcasing the interplay between art and technology in publishing. With over two hundred illustrations, it provides both scholarly insights and accessible context, making it a comprehensive resource on the significance of typography in bookmaking. This work is a vital addition to the Grolier Club's esteemed series.
Set in post-World War II Berlin, the narrative unfolds in a city still reeling from devastation and isolation within Communist territory. Amidst the ruins, over thirty spy organizations from various nations vie for control, creating a tense atmosphere of espionage and intrigue. The struggles of the three million residents highlight their resilience as they navigate life in a city marked by destruction and political turmoil.
Alice Koeth, a renowned calligrapher, showcases her exceptional artistry and mastery of the craft in this captivating collection. The book highlights her unique styles and techniques, illustrating the beauty and precision of her work. With insights into her creative process and the historical significance of calligraphy, readers gain a deeper appreciation for this timeless art form. Alice's passion and dedication to her craft are evident, making this a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and aspiring calligraphers.
In the Foreword, Robert Bringhurst emphasizes that letterforms are often taken for granted, likening them to everyday objects like door knobs. This book aims to shed light on a neglected topic by focusing on the letterforms designed by Hermann Zapf, a pivotal figure in typography and calligraphy for over seventy years. Renowned for his beautiful and recognizable typefaces, Zapf's contributions have significantly shaped the world of design. This volume serves as a companion to the earlier Typophile Chapbook, detailing Zapf's post-1970 type designs and offering fresh insights into his earlier works. Typographer and calligrapher Jerry Kelly explores the origins and histories of several Zapf typefaces, including Marconi, ITC Zapf International, Linotype Zapfino, and Zapf Civilité, while also providing new information on the Palatino nova and Optima nova families. The book is richly illustrated with type specimens and drawings, many previously unpublished, showcasing Zapf's sketches, comparisons of different types, and even typefaces that were never issued. Other notable types discussed include Hallmark Textura, AMS Euler fraktur bold, and Zapf Renaissance italic swash. Bringhurst praises Zapf as one of history's greatest two-dimensional architects, stating, "Hermann Zapf has made letters so subtle, so lovely they bring tears to knowledgeable eyes."
Artists' books always contain art, and the art often serves as the primary reason for the book's existence. This title explores more than 70 books that represent the 'best of both worlds'. It features books whose pages reveal the best graphic work of the past century.
