This classic book, first published in 1983 and updated in 1990, helps designers to recognize and identify typefaces seen and used on an everyday basis, and also provides assistance with the process of typeface selection. It highlights the essential characteristics of over 700 typeface specimens, all fully cross-referenced to a comprehensive index. Typefaces are grouped according to specific design features and the typefinding process is by visual inspection and elimination. 'Earmark' or letter feature tables offer an alternative but companion method of identifying text typefaces, illustrating the more distinctive and unusual identifying features of letters. Each category of typeface is prefaced with an introduction by Phil Baines examining its historical background. The book also contains an eight-page section of fifty brief biographies of leading type designers.
