best typography books

22 Best Typography Books in 2022

Looking for the best typography books to improve your understanding of type and how to use them for your designs?

It is important to learn about the history of type and how types are designed to create unity and balance in your design. Our best typography book list is highly recommended by many graphic designers and art directors. So pick up a typography book and start reading today!

1. Thinking With Type By Ellen Lupton

typography grid systems

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Ellen Lupton’s book, Thinking with Type, is an essential guide for anyone who wants to understand and use typeface in a more thoughtful and intentional way. The book is divided into three sections: an introduction to the basic principles of typeface design, a guide to using typefaces in design, and a directory of typefaces.

Thinking with Type is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of typography. The book covers everything from the history of type to the different ways you can use typefaces to create visual hierarchies. It also includes plenty of helpful illustrations and examples to show you how to put what you’ve learned into practice.

Whether you’re a designer, a marketer, or just someone who wants to learn more about the art of typography, Thinking with Type is a great place to start.

2. The Elements of Typographic Style

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In The Elements of Typographic Style, renowned typographer and poet Robert Bringhurst brings clarity to the art of typography. Drawing from a wealth of experience, he offers thoughtful guidance on everything from the basics of typographic form to the finer points of typefaces and line spacing. His insights and observations are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the art of typography.

It covers everything from the history of typefaces to the proper use of whitespace in a design. He also provides detailed advice on how to select and pair typefaces, how to set typefaces for optimum readability, and how to use different typefaces to create a hierarchy of information.

3. The Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners

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If you want to learn modern calligraphy and hand lettering, this is the book for you! Written by June & Lucy, two professional calligraphers, this book will teach you everything you need to know to get started with this beautiful art form.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from the basics of calligraphy and hand lettering to more advanced techniques. You’ll also find tips on how to use your new skills to create stunning works of art. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve been dabbling in calligraphy for awhile, this book will take your skills to the next level.

4. House Industries Lettering Manual

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Ken Barber is a world-renowned typeface designer who has created some of the most iconic fonts used today. In his book, House Industries Lettering Manual, Ken gives readers a detailed look at his process for designing typefaces. He also includes a number of helpful tips and tricks for anyone interested in learning more about typeface design.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to typeface design, this book is a must-read. Ken Barber’s expertise and knowledge are evident on every page, and you’re sure to come away with a greater understanding of this fascinating subject.

5. Designing with Type

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In this classic book on typography, James Craig explores the use of type in design and how it can be used to create visually appealing and effective designs. He covers topics such as choosing the right typeface, using type for hierarchy and emphasis, and creating symmetry and balance in a design. This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to improve their typographic skills and create better designs.

6. Just My Type

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Simon Garfield explores the history and psychology of typefaces in this book. He looks at how different typefaces have been used over the years and how they can influence our emotions and thoughts. He also delves into the science of why some people prefer certain typefaces over others.

It’s a fascinating read that will leave you with a new appreciation for the fonts you see every day.

7. Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Yype Works

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This book is a great resource for learning about the history of typeface design and how it all works. Erik Spiekermann is a world-renowned typeface designer, and in this book, he gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the process of typeface design. He covers everything from the anatomy of letters to the different genres of typefaces and how to choose the right one for your project.

8. The Anatomy of Type

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The Anatomy of Type is a comprehensive guide to the world of typefaces. In this book, Stephen Coles gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the design, history, and use of typefaces.

Coles starts by delving into the history of typefaces, tracing their origins back to the first manually-crafted letters of the alphabet. He then takes readers on a tour of the major families of typefaces, explaining the differences between sans serif and serif fonts, as well as the many variations within each family.

With The Anatomy of Type, Stephen Coles provides readers with a deep understanding of the world of typefaces. This book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject.

9. Type. A Visual History of Typefaces & Graphic Styles

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Cees W. de Jong’s book, 9. Type, is a visual history of typefaces and graphic styles. The book begins with a brief history of the origins of the written word and the development of the alphabet. From there, de Jong goes on to discuss the history of typefaces, from the early Days of the printing press to the modern day. He covers a wide range of typefaces and styles, from the classic serifs to the more modern sans-serifs. 9. Type is a veritable feast for the eyes, with over 700 illustrations of typefaces and graphic styles.

de Jong’s book is a must-have for any graphic designer or type enthusiast. It’s a beautiful and informative book that is sure to inspire anyone who picks it up.

10. Grid Systems in Graphic Design- Joseph Muller-Brockmann

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Grid systems are a fundamental part of graphic design. They provide a framework for designers to create compositions that are visually appealing and easy to understand. The book “Grid Systems in Graphic Design” by Joseph Muller-Brockmann is a classic text on the subject. In it, Muller-Brockmann lays out a series of guidelines for using grid systems in graphic design.

While the book is aimed at professional designers, it is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about grid systems. If you’re looking to improve your understanding of grid systems and how to use them in your own work, this book is a great place to start.

11. Essay on Typography

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In this essay, Eric Gill argues that the art of typography is essential to the communication of ideas and that the appearance of a text is just as important as its content. He goes on to say that bad typography can obscure the meaning of a text and make it difficult to read, while good typography can help to convey the message of a text more effectively.

Gill’s argument is elegant and convincing, and his essay is still relevant today. While the technology of typesetting has changed a lot since Gill wrote this essay, the principles he discusses are still applicable to the world of digital typography.

12. Typographie

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Emil Ruder was a Swiss graphic designer who was highly influential in the field of typography. In his landmark book, Typographie, he lays out his philosophy on how type should be used in the design. Ruder believed that type should be used as a tool to create visual hierarchy and order, rather than simply as a way to convey information. His ideas were revolutionary at the time and they continue to be highly relevant today.

13. Just My Type

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In his book Just My Type, Simon Garfield explores the history and meaning of different typefaces. He looks at how typefaces have been used over the years and how they can convey different messages. He also discusses how the choice of typeface can affect the way people perceive a message.

Just My Type is an interesting and informative read for anyone interested in the history and meaning of typefaces.

14. Type on Screen

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Type on Screen is a book by Ellen Lupton that explores the history and impact of digital typefaces. In the book, Lupton traces the origins of digital typefaces back to the early days of personal computing. She then looks at how typefaces have evolved over time and how they’ve been used in both digital and print media. She also discusses the different classifications of typefaces and how they can be used to create moods and effects.

15. Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works by Erik Spiekermann

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Erik Spiekermann is a world-renowned typographer, graphic designer, and author. In his book, Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works, Spiekermann gives readers a crash course in the world of typography. He covers everything from the history of typefaces to the anatomy of a letter to the different classifications of type.

Whether you’re a design novice or a seasoned pro, Stop Stealing Sheep is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the art and science of typography. With clear and concise explanations, and plenty of examples, this book is the perfect introduction to the world of type.

16. The New Typography Weimar and Now

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In the early 1920s, a new movement in graphic design began to take hold in the German city of Weimar. This movement, known as the New Typography, advocated for a more clean and modern look for books and other printed materials. The New Typography proved to be highly influential, and its impact can still be seen in graphic design today.

In this book, Jan Tschichold provides a detailed history of the New Typography and its most important practitioners. He also discusses the legacy of the New Typography and how it has shaped the field of graphic design in the century since its inception.

17. Designing Type By Karen Cheng

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In her book Designing Type, Karen Cheng explores the use of typefaces in design and how they can be used to create visual interest and communicate a message. She provides an overview of different typefaces and how they can be used in various design projects. She also offers advice on choosing the right typeface for a project and discusses the challenges of working with typefaces.

18. I Wonder by Marian Bantjes

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In her poem “I Wonder,” Marian Bantjes asks some big questions about life and the Universe. She wonders about the nature of reality and whether or not we are living in a dream. She also ponders the origins of the Universe and the meaning of life.

Bantjes’ poem is both thought-provoking and beautiful. It makes us question the things we take for granted and see the world in a new light. If you’re looking for a poem that will make you think, “I Wonder” is definitely worth a read.

19. In Progress By Jessica Hische

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It’s no secret that progress can be slow. Sometimes, it feels like we’re taking two steps forward and one step back. But as long as we keep moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit each day, we’ll eventually get to where we’re going.

This print by Jessica Hische is a reminder that progress is always worth celebrating, no matter how small it may be. So hang it up in your office or workspace as a reminder to stay positive and keep moving forward.

20. Typography Essentials By Ina Saltz

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Designing with type is an essential skill for any graphic designer, and Typography Essentials is the perfect guide to help you get started. Ina Saltz covers all the basics of typography, from choosing the right typeface to setting type like a pro. You’ll also learn about the history of type and how it has evolved over time. With clear, concise explanations and plenty of examples, this book is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to learn more about typography.

21. U&lc by John Berry

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John Berry’s 21. Um&lc Hook is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of type design. The book chronicles the life and work of one of the most influential type designers of the 20th century, and includes some of his most famous designs.

22. On Web Typography By Jason Santa Maria

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In it, Santa Maria covers everything from the history of web typography to the latest trends and technologies. He provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the field, making it the perfect resource for both beginners and experts alike.

If you’re looking to improve your web typography skills, On Web Typography is the book for you. Santa Maria’s clear and concise writing style makes complex concepts easy to understand, and his wealth of experience in the field shines through on every page.

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