Just My Type: A Book About Fonts, by Simon Garfield

This is a fascinating look at the history of the fonts that we take for granted every day. Author Simon Garfield describes how fonts were made in the early days of printing, and how fonts developed over the centuries. The introduction of a variety of fonts in early computers exploded into the thousands of options that we have today. Mr. Garfield discusses the fonts used in newspapers, advertisements, posters, and road signs. He delves into why some fonts are loved and others are despised (Comic Sans). He relates anecdotes about how the inappropriate use of modern fonts has revealed forgeries, and tells us about experts who are constantly noting the anachronistic use of fonts in period films. Most chapters contain a "fontbreak," which focuses on a particular font, such as Gill Sans, Albertus, Futura, Verdana, Doves, Mrs Eaves, Mr Eaves, Frutiger, and more. One fontbreak discusses the "interrobang," a character that combines a question mark with an exclamation point (it didn't catch on). One whole chapter is devoted to the ampersand.

This was a really fun look at fonts and how ever-present they are in our lives. Anyone who enjoys reading about printing and publishing would enjoy Just My Type.

Simon Garfield. Just My Type: A Book About Fonts. New York: Gotham Books, 2011. 354 pages. ISBN 9781592406524.