The Complete Manual of Typography: A Guide to Setting Perfect Type

The greatest compliment I can give this book is to say that I read it from cover to cover. It's true- each of its 290 pages contained useful information and- perhaps more importantly- it is written in a very approachable style. Discussions often include interesting historical explanations, leaving the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the 'why' as well as the 'how' or 'what'. The tone of the book is engaging and straightforward with moments of surprising wit. Helpful examples comparing blocks of text are used generously throughout the chapters.A brief summary of the book:-Part one, Typographic Basics: History of type; units of measurement; about fonts & typefaces; using typefaces; typesetting versus typewriting; setting type on a personal computer; the differences between good and bad type-Part two, How to Set Type: Measure, point size, leading; hyphenation and justification; kerning and tracking; indentation and alignment; special characters; document structures; tables; language-specific issues; style sheets; output resolution issues-Part three, References: includes a very thorough glossary and indexAs a whole, the book is intended primarily for people wishing to learn about typeography, and more specifically, the typography of printed text (books, newspapers, and magazines, as opposed to broadcast or advertising). This book is not meant to be a guide to print in advertising, although reading it will help you set better type in your ads if that is your job. Nor is this book a compendium of typefaces; the examples show typefaces primarily used by book publishers, such as Sabon, Garamond, or Caslon. This book is not a guide on which typeface to use for every situation; the author writes most of the book with the assumption that the typesetter will have the font and style dictated by the publisher. From the introduction: "This is not a style guide, but an execution guide."What this book intends to teach is proper typesetting: The spacing of letters within words; the spacing of words and punctuation within sentences; the spacing and arrangement among lines of text and paragraphs; functional and attractive justification; and page color.This book would be helpful to anyone involved in printing text, whether large scale or small.

Unfortunately, there are lots of really ugly books being published now.The rise of desk-top publishing, self-publishing and Print-On-Demand has made it possible for anyone with a credit card and blood pressure above zero to act like a publisher.There are no licensing requirements, and unlike years ago when future printers worked as apprentices to expert printers, anyone can now put words on paper. A lot of those words are just dumped, with little or no preparation, thought, knowledge, or artistic ability.(The worst-looking book I've seen lately is Best in Publishing & Print on Demand by David Rising. Rising tries to advise authors on self-publishing, but his own book is a great example of what not to do.)  Best in Self-Publishing & Print on Demand: Plus Marketing Your Book on The Internet (na) Fortunately, there's a WONDERFUL book that will tell you what to do.The Complete Manual of Typography by James Felici is both a beautiful book to look at, and a complete yet easy-to understand reference work that will be invaluable to any self-publisher.It will help professionals using sophisticated publishing software, and will even help amateurs like me who are trying to make the most out of Microsoft Word.It will help you avoid stupid mistakes, and enable you to make your books both prettier and more professional. It includes the typographical history, secrets and tricks that used to be passed from father to son (but seldom to daughters).I had a course in printing back in eighth grade, and a course called Advertising Art Production while in college. I've also worked in advertising agencies, I've designed award-winning websites, and have written several books. But Felici taught me a lot. He taught me so much, in fact, that I revised two of my books.  I Only Flunk My Brightest Students Price is $50 (before discounts) but it's worth every penny if it helps you avoid looking like an idiot. If you buy it from Amazon.com, the price is much less.Michael N. Marcus, author of "I Only Flunk My Brightest Students: stories from school and real life" http://www.amazon.com/dp/098166170X

I am only half way through this book (so much in it I have to take it a few pages at a time). The history of type is covered (and should be read to learn vocabulary...but has a great glossary if you just want to learn terms in other sections as you go along...21 pages of glossary.)Seems like 1/4 of the book is history and the architecture of font AND typeface (yes...the book is so in depth it tells the difference between the two). The final 3/4 is on typesetting good and bad, how to do it with various computer programs (though no program is emphasized as each program will be good at one thing and bad at another and he wants to keep it as generic as possible so you can apply equally). It is written in a fairly straightforward language and you only have to scratch your head a couple of times (Plenty of Visual Examples are included). In fact, seeing how they do typesetting of this review is already causing some agrivation now that I know just a few things to look for. .As I read in a magazine I use for graphic design...the best advice a graphical designer for what to have a great knowledge of is Typography. Even if your desing work is middle of the road your typography will give it a more cohessive look and feel and is probably the top number one thing to master...and I am beginning to agree. The book is set up to be used as either a reference guide or a textbook...your choice. I recomend this book as your first choice. Another book is "Logo, Font and Lettering Bible" by Cabaraga...if you are into designing, letters, logos and symbols.

This is a well-laid out book which practises what it preaches, and demands the highest commitment to excellence. It's also very clearly and well written--not always the case with expert manuals. It's full of examples of good and bad work and takes care to avoid trade jargon or explain it where necessary. Highly recommended, but only for those who like the author really care about typography.

Unsurpassed guide to setting bodycopy. Possibly too advanced for beginners, but a great resource for the advanced student/professional.

I love typography and have a lot of book about it but frankly speaking all of them did not satisfy me until this one. So informatic, fully and all the things organised in memoric ways. Must have in every designer's bookstore.

Easy to read. Down to earth. Far more useful information. Funny without trying to be. Good solid book packed with useful information.