Alphabet: The History, Evolution and Design of the Letters We Use Today - Softcover

Haley, Allan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0500278350 ISBN 13: 9780500278352

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd, 1995

Synopsis

The letters of the Roman alphabet are so much a part of our everyday life that often they are taken for granted. We no longer see tham for what they really are: complex and beautifully designed symbols of enormous graphic power whose colourful history stretches back many thousands of years. The computer age has easy access to technology that potentially unlocks this versatility . Today's designers, however, are in danger of losing touch with the knowledge that allows them to exploit and develop this rich inheritance. This sourcebook for the study of practical lettering and typography focuses on the visual strengths of the alphabet, examining in detail tha history and evolution of each individual letter, both upper and lower case. It also looks closely at each letter's design, describing the precise technique needed to draw it and examining and illustrating various typefaces. With additional sections on the ampersand, punctuation marks and numbers, this guide should be of interest to students, designers, typographers, calligraphers and anyone with an interest in letters and lettering.

About this title

About the Author

Mary Novick created the highly successful Double Delight series. Jonathan Reed created Animal Alphabet and Rainy Day, the latest sticker activity books in the Double Delight series. Jenny Hale is known for her warm, bright, child-focused pictures. Hale has illustrated numerous books in the Double Delight series.

Edition details

• Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0500278350
• ISBN 13: 9780500278352
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128