Editions: First Second

Second edition of Treasury of Alphabets and Lettering by Jan Tschichold

Overview
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Task: to republish an interesting and informative book by Jan Tschichold.

Treasury of Alphabets and Lettering is a fine collection of type specimens selected by Jan Tschichold, a famous typographer and book artist. Only crème de la crème of the lettering world made it to this edition: true typeface role models with each and every one of them featuring exceptional beauty beyond time and fashion.

Before presenting his collection, Tschichold exercises in-depth analysis of letter anatomy, studies good and bad type, speaks on the use of upper and lower case, kerning, and leading. A good part of the book is dedicated to properly selecting a typeface for the task and to design with type and typography in general in a city environment. A vast number of precious historical illustrations are published in the original size and underwent a thorough retouching by the author, thus resulting in a better quality compared to the time-damaged originals.

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Pages 36–37

«
Based on decades of study, this source book for lettering men, graphic designers, lithographers and related professions should serve not just the moment. The letters I have ultimately selected have stood the test of severe scrutiny. We may therefore hope that, for decades to come they will also stand the test of time. The plates offer familiar as well as the unknown; they are immediately useful as well as inspirational; they contain letters for students as well as for masters. All of them contribute to a true culture of letters and their application.»

From the author’s foreword


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Pages 50–51


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Pages 56–57


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Pages 100–101


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Pages 138–139


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Pages 216–217

This book was translated into Russian from the following edition: Jan Tschichold, Meisterbuch der Schrift © 1999 3rd edition, Urania Verlag in der Verlag Herder GmbH, Freiburg im Breisgau.

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art director

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  • author


  • Jan Tschichold (1902–1974) was a German typographer, book designer, and teacher, who made a major contribution to the development of typography and graphic and book design of 20th century. During his long career, Tschichold designed a great number of Swiss and English editions, wrote several books still used by the modern graphic designers and book artists, and also spent time studying and working with type.

    For his contribution to the development of typography art, Tschichold was awarded an AIGA golden medal (the major award within the US design industry); was named Honorary Royal Designer by the RSA (British Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), was elected as an Associate Member of the Berlin Academy of Art, and received a Gutenberg award (the highest European recognition for achievements in the field of printing arts).
 
  • Printed in Latvia
  • Hardcover
  • 248 pages
  • Dimensions: 29,5×20,5×3 cm (11,6″×8″×1,2″)
  • Press run: 3000
  • ISBN 978-5-98062-032-5
See also