By: Tova Rabinowitz Publisher: OnWord Press Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Format: Illustrated Label: OnWord Press Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 432 Publication Date: February 21, 2006
Product Description: What do designers need to know about typography? The answer can be found in this heavily illustrated book that examines the use of type in visual communications. Exploring Typography takes a simple and concise approach to the principles of typography giving readers a thorough understanding of the subject. The well-organized coverage begins with a brief history of type and a survey of how type is classified. Readers then learn about the physical components of letters and the rules of legibility, readability, and style. Subsequent chapters survey the creative use of emphasis, designing effective layouts, using grids, and developing original type styles. Finally, the author examines new challenges in type while introducing terminology and concepts relevant to designing with type in a digital environment.
Great job! I teach at a 4 year university and had been unhappy for a while at the textbook we were using; but like any big ship, it takes a while to steer in another direction. In the meantime, I had a lot of time given to checking out possible exchanges and I was so glad that I found this book. It is everything many of the others in its genre are not.
One issue from a previously used textbook was the layout and the amount of material being presented. It was not only clumsy for a book on typography, but tragically full of errors; in spelling, grammar and facts. This book, "Exploring Typography," covers all of the important information for a first introduction into the subject. It gives a nice overview of the history of written communication starting with pre-historic man, up to the present digital era we are in. It also challenges us to think outside of where we are now and to grasp typography's place in the future.
The thing I enjoy perhaps most about the book is its easy layout. Students often have so much to read in their studies, and sadly many only skim the surface for the relevent information to get by. The layout is broken into bite-sized paragraphs, lots of images and consequently keeps their interest longer. A number of chapters highlight a present-day typographer or designer, which gives students a look at their upcoming peers as they look toward graduation.
For those interested in using the book as a textbook, I would certainly recommend having a look at it. It is a very easy-to-follow book for any age level and is definitely worth exploring. Tova Rabinowitz has done a very nice job in supplying future and current designers with something they can tangibly use and apply into their design.
Exploring Typography
Thomson Delmar Learning just sent me the book Exploring Typography to review for use in my classroom. I think it is one of the best on the subject and know it will be adopted for use in my classes. I teach at an independent high school in Vermont and also at the state college near by. The book is well organized and the illustrations are great. It must have taken a lot of effort and time to write; I am always in awe of someone that can bring light to a difficult and confusing subject such as typography....great book!!!
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