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The History of Typography

By courtneymxo
  • Jan 1, 1440

    Blackletter

    Blackletter
    Before typefaces were invented, books were scripted by monks, which was a time-consuming and expensive process. German citizen Johannes Gutenberg created Blackletter, the first ever typeface.
  • Jan 1, 1470

    Roman

    Roman
    Gutenbergs Blackletter was great for scripting, however appearted dense and squished when printed. The first ever Roman type was created by frenchman Nicholas Jenson that was very clear and legible. It was a quick success that spread across Europe.
  • Jan 1, 1501

    Italic

    Italic
    After Roman was Italics, created by Aldus Manutius from Italy. It is a more slanted and stylised verson from Roman type, that was designed to fit more letters on the page, cost less money.

  • Caslon

    Caslon
    In England, William Caslon created typeface Caslon, now known as Old Style.

  • Baskerville

    Baskerville
    British man John Baskerville designed typeface Baskerville, which is now known as Transitional

  • Modern

    Modern
    Frenchman named Didot and Italian named Bodoni later created typefaces that we now classify as Modern

  • San Serif

    San Serif
    William Caslon's great grandson William Caslon IV revolutionsed typogragpy as his invented typeface removed serifs entirely and called his new design San Serif

  • Futura

    Futura
    Due to the backlash to the complexity found in typefaces, Paul Renner from Germany brought simplicity with the creation of Futura. Renner's typeface is based around the simple nature of geometric shapes

  • Gill Sans

    Gill Sans
    Around the same time, British man named Eric Gill created Gill Sans that was similar to Futura, however with gentle and natural curves

  • Helvetica

    Helvetica
    Swiss designer Max Meidiner, along with Eduard Hoffmann, introduced Helvetica, that incorporates simple curves, and is known as one of the most popular typefaces

  • The Arrival of Webfonts

    DaFont webfont websiteSince technology has advanced, typefaces have been introduced into the computer industry. At first when computers were newly brought in the world, the type involved pixel fonts that was difficult to read and appeared distasteful. Technology evolved and allowed creations of thousands of typefaces. Now anyone has freedom to create their own unique typefaces. In 2010, webfonts were introduced which were websites that revolved itself around the unique creations of typefaces that people have created