Type Matters! - by Jim Williams (Paperback)

About the Book

Once upon a time, only typesetters needed to know about kerning, leading, ligatures, and hanging punctuation. Today, however, most of us work on computers, with access to hundreds of fonts, and we'd all like our letters, reports and other documents to look as good - and as readable - as possible. But what does all the confusing terminology about ink traps, letter spacing, and visual centring mean, and what are the rules for good typography? Type Matters! is a book of tips for everyday use, for all users of typography, from students and professionals to anyone who does any layout design on a computer. The book is arranged into three chapters: an introduction to the basics of typography; headline and display type; and setting text. Within each chapter there are sections devoted to particular principles or problems, such as selecting the right typeface, leading, and the treatment of numbers. Examples throughout show precisely what makes good typography - and, crucially, what doesn't. Authoritatively written and designed by a practitioner and teacher of typography, Type Matters! has a beautifully clear layout that reinforces the principles discussed throughout.

Book Synopsis

Once upon a time, only typesetters needed to know about kerning, leading, ligatures, and hanging punctuation. Today, however, most of us work on computers, with access to hundreds of fonts, and we'd all like our letters, reports and other documents to look as good - and as readable - as possible.

But what does all the confusing terminology about ink traps, letter spacing, and visual centering mean, and what are the rules for good typography? Type Matters! is a book of tips for everyday use, for all users of typography, from students and professionals to anyone who does any layout design on a computer. The book is arranged into three chapters: an introduction to the basics of typography; headline and display type; and setting text.

Within each chapter there are sections devoted to particular principles or problems, such as selecting the right typeface, leading, and the treatment of numbers. Examples throughout show precisely what makes good typography - and, crucially, what doesn't. Authoritatively written and designed by a practitioner and teacher of typography, Type Matters! has a beautifully clear layout that reinforces the principles discussed throughout.

Review Quotes

This book recalls the wise words of the great Jan Tschichold: 'The greatest benefit from looking at good work will always be gained by those who study its finest details and subtleties. This is the only way to teach oneself typographic design....' Critical close-looking is an invaluable tool for anyone working with type and Type Matters!, a delight to look at, read and hold, is a handy way to sharpen the eye. &mdash Communication Arts, July / Aug '12

A solid addition to the field of introductory texts on the subject of typography. -- I Love Typography

In short, Type Matters is an indispensible guide to the basics of typography that no budding graphic designer should be without. -- The Point

This book is perfectly positioned to ease the newbie into the world of typography... it is a learner's bible. -- Seattle Post Intelligencer

This book is pleasing to the touch, the nose, the eye, and when actually read, the hungry mind. -- Blog Critics

These may be simple tips, but they could change the way the world reads the writing you want to present. -- Columbus Dispatch

About the Author

JIM WILLIAMS began his career as a typographer in advertising, and is now an award-winning graphic designer and a senior lecturer in graphics at Staffordshire University.

BEN CASEY is Creative Director of The Chase design consultancy and Professor of Visual Communication at the University of Central Lancashire.