10 Best Books on Typography

The Elements of Typographic Style

by Robert Bringhurst (Hartley and Marks Publishers)

Renowned typographer and poet Robert Bringhurst brings clarity to the art of typography with this masterful style guide. Combining the practical, theoretical, and historical, this edition is completely updated, with a thorough exploration of the newest innovations in intelligent font technology, and is a must-have for graphic artists, editors, or anyone working with the printed page using digital or traditional methods.

$ 19

77

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Average rating: 4.5/5 stars 101 customer reviews
Designing with Type: The Essential Guide to Typography

by James Craig (Watson-Guptill)

First published in 1971, used universally ever since. Access to lessons from distinguished typographers around the world through Web site: designingwithtype.com. "An excellent and useful introduction to the subject."—Milton Glaser. New information and new images make this perennial best-seller an even more valuable tool for anyone interested in learning about typography.

$ 16

47

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Average rating: 4.5/5 stars 38 customer reviews
Typography Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Type in Graphic Design

by Timothy Samara (Rockport Publishers)

New in paperback, The Typography Workbook provides an at-a-glance reference book for designers on all aspects of type. The book is part of Rockport's popular Workbook series of practical and inspirational workbooks that cover all the fundamental areas of the graphic design business. This book presents an abundance of information on type. the cornerstone of graphic design. succinctly and to the point, so that designers can get the information they need quickly and easily. Whereas many other books on type … (continue reading)

$ 16

50

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Average rating: 4.5/5 stars 17 customer reviews
1,000 Type Treatments: From Script to Serif, Letterforms Used to Perfection

by Wilson Harvey (Rockport Publishers)

New miniature version! The ability to wield typography is one of those things that is a clear indication of a talented designer. Being able to craft type well and thoughtfully takes a deep understanding of the inherent complexities and a keen eye for the minute and subtle details. This book contains a collection of 1,000 instances of thoughtful type usage along with credits that note what fonts were used in the design. Like its predecessor, 1,000 Graphic Elements, the photography … (continue reading)

$ 13

59

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Average rating: 4/5 stars 21 customer reviews

Hand Job: A Catalog of Type

by Michael Perry (Princeton Architectural Press)

In this digital age of computer-generated graphics and typography, it's refreshing to find typographers who still believe in working by hand. No longer relegated to designer's sketchbooks, hand-drawn type has emerged from the underground as a dynamic vehicle for visual communication from magazine, book, and album covers to movie credits and NFL advertisements. As the practice and appreciation of hand-drawn type grows, it s time to celebrate the work of those typographers whose every letterform is a work of art. … (continue reading)

$ 23

10

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Average rating: 4.5/5 stars 13 customer reviews
Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type

by Kimberly Elam (Princeton Architectural Press)

Although grid systems are the foundation for almost all typographic design, they are often associated with rigid, formulaic solutions. However, the belief that all great design is nonetheless based on grid systems (even if only subverted ones) suggests that few designers truly understand the complexities and potential riches of grid composition. In her best-selling Geometry of Design, Elam shows how proportion, symmetry, and other geometrical systems underlie many of the visual relationships that make for good design. Now, Elam brings … (continue reading)

$ 14

93

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Average rating: 3/5 stars 21 customer reviews
Typography Essentials: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type

by Ina Saltz (Rockport Publishers)

This book outlines and demonstrates basic type guidelines and rules through 100 entries, including choosing the typeface for the project, striving for rhythm and balance with type, combining typefaces, using special characters, and kerning and legibility. These essentials of type design are critical to the success of any job.

$ 26

40

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Average rating: 4.5/5 stars 12 customer reviews
Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works

by Erik Spiekermann (Adobe Press)

Stop Stealing Sheep, Second Edition is a unique, entertaining, and educational tour through the most basic unit of written communication: type. World-renowned type experts Erik Spiekermann and E.M. Ginger explain in everyday laymen's terms what type is and how you can use it to enhance the legibility, meaning, and aesthetic level of your work. They elegantly touch on all aspects of typography, including the history and mechanics of type, how to train your eye to recognize and choose typefaces, and … (continue reading)

$ 26

40

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Average rating: 3.5/5 stars 43 customer reviews
The Complete Manual of Typography

by James Felici (Adobe Press)

[Testimonials] "The ultimate typographic tool: a concise, beautiful book that pulls together everything you need to produce great typography." —Frank Romano, RIT School of Print Media. "Clear and elegant...There's no better or more useful introduction to the whole craft of typography." —Roger Black, Danilo Black, Inc. "All you've always wanted to know about type and typography but never dared to ask. Jim Felici brings together a vast amount of knowledge in this book. Must-have!" —Erik Spiekermann, author, Stop Stealing Sheep … (continue reading)

$ 34

65

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Average rating: 5/5 stars 18 customer reviews