A Typographic Workbook, Second Edition

Timely update and polishing of a valuable comprehensive reference and textbook on typography

In 1995, A Typographic Workbook was published. Authored by Kate Clair, a design professional and faculty member of Kutztown Univ. in Kutztown, PA, it became known and used nationally, even as far away as my own alma mater, Portland Community College, in Portland, OR.

The book recieved mixed reviews. While being well designed, the writing style had been criticized as awkward; while comprehensive and extensively applied to the history and signifcant legacy of typography, the coverage was criticized by some as uneven. In order to give students an idea of how type looked, every spread in every chapter was set in different type, a move which accomplished what it set out to do but made the text somewhat unreadable.

Despite the flaws, however, the book still had value. So far as I have seen, no other book (of which I’m so far aware) covers the rich history of typography as the first edition did. Here, in one place, could be found information on such diverse topics as copyfitting, speccing type, type classification, the great typographers, and in the back, page-size specimen sheets of many fonts–a feature which doubtless became the launch pad for student projects in design programs all over–and many details of the growing presence of digital typography.

Wiley & Sons have just updated A Typographic Workbook. The new Second Edition features a co-author (Cynthia Busic-Snyder), bringing a tighter focus, a cleaner approach, an engaging, charming new cover, and a timely updating.

Tighening up the content

The First Edition was of a certain tone–it tried, on every page, to demonstrate the power of type by putting it through its many paces. The one-font-per-spread act was just one way. Ample examples of KU student projects were included to demonstrate the visual, artistic power those who endeavor to ‘paint with type’. Of course, as a textbook, it was replete with exercises and tasks which at least made one think about type if they didn’t do them. The overall effect, despite the apt design, was a little chaotic. And some parts of the content were feeling very dated–the examples of computer printing dialog boxes, the icons for font files and applications/files.

The Second Edition answers these flaws in a very apt way. The content has been consolidated and unified, bringing the number of chapters from 20 to 12. The information about digital typography, treated in a chapter with the now-charming name of “Computers and Typography” is now updated in a chapter titled “Contemporary Typography and Digital Technology”. There are more type specimen pages than before, including some reflecting new fashion and design trends. And, instead of having every spread a different face, each one of the twelve chapters is in a different face of its own throughout, each clearly chosen for readablilty (and listed in the colophon).

In the same fashion, the illustrative content has been rationalized and winnowed. The First Edition contained likenesses of the great typographers, for example, and while entertaining were apparently not considered essential, and perhaps distracting. Gone as well are the many student project illustrations. While some may miss these illustrations, the overall effect is one of improvement; the textual content, which has undergone considerable polish, has had its communicative power enhanced.

The Bottom Line

The Second Edition of A Typographic Workbook is a timely and necessary update, which brings the text forward into the 21st Century, and by addressing flaws in the First Edition, only increases its already considerable value as a textbook and reference volume. All the story of typography–the history, the evolution, the vital parts–are still here, and now the book works even better than before.

The First Edition of A Typographic Workbook was great. The Second Edtion is superb.

The Particulars

A Typographic Workbook: a primer to history, techniques, and artistry
By Kate Clair and Cynthia Busic-Synder
384pp (w/index), 2005, Wiley & Sons, Hoboken NJ
ISBN 0-471-69690-0
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