Book Description

"In the mid-1980s - with the widespread adoption of the personal computer and small laser printers, with the introduction of cheap software packages for making pages and typefaces - a revolution in typography was set in train. Among several unforeseen consequences was an overthrow of the old way of making typefaces: the initiative passed from the old industrially-based companies to small, often one- or two-person outfits. Now we are far enough into this new era to begin to make an assessment." "The first part of this book is a personal statement. Fred Smeijers considers the gains and also the illusions and pitfalls of technical advance. Bringing a deep historical awareness to bear on the topic, he puts this brief recent phase into perspective. Along the way are sharp remarks on the place of the designer in the social world, on the question of copying and copyright. This realistic view brings high-flown pretensions down to earth, yet puts forward a more solid and enduring vision. Smeijers ends this modest manifesto with a new code of conduct for designers." "The second part of the book presents Smeijers's own work as a type designer and graphic designer, over twenty years. It shows all his types and fonts, including several that have until now been hidden from public view, and includes the designer's own narrative of his work so far." "The book has been made in connection with the award to Fred Smeijers of the Gorrit Noordzij Prize, in recognition of his contribution as a designer, teacher, and writer." --Book Jacket.