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Title details for Baskerville by Simon Garfield - Available

Baskerville

by Simon Garfield
David Thorpe
Audiobook
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A compact and charming history of the classic Enlightenment font by the New York Times bestselling author of Just My Type.
When Baskerville was first created in 1757, there was concern that it would damage readers' eyes with its combination of thin and thick strokes and tapering serifs. Yet 250 years later, it remains one of the most commonly used typefaces in books of all kinds. As bestselling author Simon Garfield tells it, the tale of this elegant typeface is one of painstaking dedication. The font's creator, John Baskerville, was a maverick lacquer maker and master printer who made it his life's mission to achieve the font's perfection. His efforts culminated in his magnificent Bible, acclaimed as the finest ever made. Garfield explores why Baskerville's own body was dug up and buried many times before finally being allowed to rest in peace, and examines his legacy through the work of his wife, Sarah Baskerville—one of the first powerful women in the printing world—and the archivists and enthusiasts working to preserve the font's original steel punches today.
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Series: ABC of Fonts Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc Edition: Unabridged

OverDrive Listen audiobook

  • ISBN: 9798855593792
  • File size: 91247 KB
  • Release date: October 22, 2024
  • Duration: 03:10:05

Formats

OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Art History Nonfiction

Languages

English

A compact and charming history of the classic Enlightenment font by the New York Times bestselling author of Just My Type.
When Baskerville was first created in 1757, there was concern that it would damage readers' eyes with its combination of thin and thick strokes and tapering serifs. Yet 250 years later, it remains one of the most commonly used typefaces in books of all kinds. As bestselling author Simon Garfield tells it, the tale of this elegant typeface is one of painstaking dedication. The font's creator, John Baskerville, was a maverick lacquer maker and master printer who made it his life's mission to achieve the font's perfection. His efforts culminated in his magnificent Bible, acclaimed as the finest ever made. Garfield explores why Baskerville's own body was dug up and buried many times before finally being allowed to rest in peace, and examines his legacy through the work of his wife, Sarah Baskerville—one of the first powerful women in the printing world—and the archivists and enthusiasts working to preserve the font's original steel punches today.
Expand title description text
Art History Nonfiction