The Elements of Typographic Style

I have had The Elements of Typographic Style for years and believe that if the reader never came across Robert Bringhurst's work, should more than consider adding the publication to the bookshelf.

Why? Firstly, after lamenting 'in an age where typographic design is sometimes misconstrued as a a form of private self-expression', the great Hermann Zapf wished this work to become the "Typographers’ Bible"; a book to assist the designer produce functional work that can be 'admired, appraised and dissected before it's consumed'.

I believe that The Elements of Typographic Style operates as a form of typographic encyclopaedia, outlining essential knowledge when dealing with type forms. From acute to yogh, it is more than a glossary of terms, the reader gets a deeper contextual understanding of letter forms - their origin and what they mean. While keeping in mind a historical and practical perspective, Bringhurst addresses the principles of appropriately choosing and combining type and layout with balance and grace. He states that typography is 'idealised handwriting' and 'should honour the content and invite the reader into the text'.

The fact that Bringhurst is a poet, designer and historian is so evident, when I open the book at any page, I'm drawn to his writings crafted with practical, artistic and philosophical insight.

In short, the book offers the reader a strong foundational knowledge in typography. It makes clear that typography is a crucial link in the chain of communication. Type is an utilitarian form with a rich history that needs to be studied, as it opens the designer to deeper understanding of their evolving field. After reading, the book made me think of the Chinese proverb - 'consider the past and you shall know the future', and in turn rephrase as 'consider the past and you can design for the future'. I hope Zapf would agree with this credo.

Check it out today!

(How do you package a 'typographic bible'? Think that is a posting for another day. However to briefly comment, the book's size and proportions - it is great to hold and easy to store away on the shelf, or in a bag if moving about. The paper's colour, texture and weight reminds one of old style publications. A hard backed cloth, instead of the card would have worked better as this material is easily damaged. Inside, as expected, the layout and choice of typeface makes the content easy to read. Wide margins carry addition text - from chapter numbers, headings, definitions etc.)