Non-Designer’s Type Book, The, Second Edition

Modern

Times changed. The world changed. Type changed. Typefaces in the modern style were developed at a time when people were beginning to view the world differently. America ushered in democracy, France ushered out monarchy, the Industrial Revolution was underway, and political and social theorists were establishing a more rational, mechanical view of the universe and its inhabitants. Baroque, rococo, and oldstyle faces were rendered obsolete. Modern type reflected strict emphasis on structure and form, and the last vestige of type’s handwritten origins disappeared.

Modern typefaces have a sparkle and an elegance, but they also tend to have a severe and cold appearance. They are not very readable; that is, they are not often the best choice ...