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Specimens of Chromatic Wood Type, Borders, &c. by Esther K. Smith
Item #:
B4522
$45.00
Specimens of Chromatic Wood Type, Borders, &c. is a cherished gem in the worlds of typography, design, and book collecting. Originally a catalog for William H. Page’s renowned Connecticut wood type foundry, this 1874 specimen book showcases elaborate typefaces designed for eye-catching displays like tent revivals and circuses.
This edition faithfully reproduces all 102 pages of the original, featuring intricate typefaces and whimsical designs. The pages, arranged in a delightfully random sequence, read like humorous, experimental poetry. Whether by accident or design, this book captivates with its beauty and charm.
Perfect as a gift or a must-have for any art-book collection, this volume will be adored by typographers, designers, artists, poets, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone with a flair for unique style.
"When a vintage typeface, for instance, is refreshed through a tweak here and refinement there, the end result can be a seamless combination of old and new aesthetics. For this alchemy to work, expert type and typography choices must be made because type is a critical part of any retro/contempo equation. Many of wood and metal typeface styles were designed for their specific moment in time and are indelibly wed to those moments." ––Steven Heller, Addicted to Wood.
Hardcover; 120 pages; 10" x 13.25"
Specimens of Chromatic Wood Type, Borders, &c. is a cherished gem in the worlds of typography, design, and book collecting. Originally a catalog for William H. Page’s renowned Connecticut wood type foundry, this 1874 specimen book showcases elaborate typefaces designed for eye-catching displays like tent revivals and circuses.
This edition faithfully reproduces all 102 pages of the original, featuring intricate typefaces and whimsical designs. The pages, arranged in a delightfully random sequence, read like humorous, experimental poetry. Whether by accident or design, this book captivates with its beauty and charm.
Perfect as a gift or a must-have for any art-book collection, this volume will be adored by typographers, designers, artists, poets, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone with a flair for unique style.
"When a vintage typeface, for instance, is refreshed through a tweak here and refinement there, the end result can be a seamless combination of old and new aesthetics. For this alchemy to work, expert type and typography choices must be made because type is a critical part of any retro/contempo equation. Many of wood and metal typeface styles were designed for their specific moment in time and are indelibly wed to those moments." ––Steven Heller, Addicted to Wood.
Hardcover; 120 pages; 10" x 13.25"
| Binding | Glue |
| Skill Level | Intermediate, Advanced, Beginner |
