Palatino: The Natural History of a Typeface, By Robert Bringhurst / Available at www.draw-down.com / This book is an argument, and a convincing one, that artists who create letters can, and should, be judged by the same standards and held in the same esteem as composers who write music and artists who paint on canvas. Bringhurst asks the question, “Can a pen stroke or a letterform be so beautiful it will stop you in your tracks and maybe break your heart?” In this groundbreaking, seminal and totally original book, he answers the question: “It can.” If you want background on Palatino, it is all here, in encompassing detail: a fully illustrated account of the typeface and its extended family—foundry and Linotype, Michelangelo, Sistina, Aldus, Heraklit, Phidias, Zapf Renaissance, PostScript Palatino, Palatino and Aldus Nova, and Palatino Sans. And more. Much more. More than you would believe existed. The Wall Street Journal wrote: “Palatino” is more than a type nerd’s delight or an ode to a great typeface. In telling the story of Palatino from foundry type to digital type, Mr. Bringhurst has in effect recounted the technological history of type in the 20th century. His book is an elegant and methodically thorough investigation of how technology has influenced design, positively as well as negatively, seen through the lens of a single typeface. Whether one likes Palatino or not, Mr. Bringhurst’s book is an instant classic.” Designed and typeset by #RobertBringhurst #graphicdesign #typography
