A Grammar of Typography: Classical Design in the Digital Age

How can designers today achieve classical book design when it derives from an era of hot metal? This book has the answer. The definitive guide to classical book design in the digital era. In an age where digital tools dominate, A Grammar of Typography bridges the gap between time-honored typographic traditions and contemporary design practices. Renowned designer Mark Argetsinger offers an exhaustive exploration of book design, covering everything from typeface selection and page layout to paper choice and binding specifications. This comprehensive volume is enriched with over 345 illustrations and diagrams, many in full color, providing both historical context and practical guidance. Argetsinger delves into the evolution and continuity of typography—referencing seminal printers’ grammars from Joseph Moxon to Theodore Low De Vinne—and and offers insights into digital typesetting in view of these traditions of classical design. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a student, or a typographic enthusiast, this book serves as both a reference and an inspiration, emphasizing the enduring relevance of classical design principles in today’s digital landscape. All readers will gain a deeper appreciation for text, and all its rules of form, that can make words on a page a joy to the eye.