In 'An Essay on Typography,' Eric Gill explores the art and craft of type design, revealing how typography shapes our perception of written language. Through a blend of philosophical musings and practical insights, Gill argues that type is not just a tool for communication, but an integral aspect of visual culture. He challenges conventional approaches and invites readers to appreciate the aesthetic and ethical implications of typographic choices. This thought-provoking essay raises questions about the role of the designer in society and the impact of typography on our daily lives. Dive into Gill's world to uncover the beauty and power of letters that often goes unnoticed.
By Eric Gill
Published: 1988
""The great thing about typography is that it’s a medium that constantly reflects the changing nature of thought and culture, marrying form and function in a dance that can both reveal and obscure meaning.""
An Essay on Typography was first published in 1931, instantly recognized as a classic, and has long been unavailable. It represents Gill at his best: opinionated, fustian, and consistently humane. It is his only major work on typography and remains indispensable for anyone interested in the art of letter forms and the presentation of graphic information. This manifesto, however, is not only about letters "š€š" their form, fit, and function "š€š" but also about man's role in an industrial society. As Gill wrote later, it was his chief object "to describe two worlds "š€š" that of industrialism and that of the human workman "š€š" and to define their limits." His thinking about type is still provocative. Here are the seeds of modern advertising: unjustified lines, tight word and letter spacing, ample leading. Here is vintage Gill, as polemical as he is practical, as much concerned about the soul of man as the work of man; as much obsessed by the ends as by the means.
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“"The great thing about typography is that it’s a medium that constantly reflects the changing nature of thought and culture, marrying form and function in a dance that can both reveal and obscure meaning."”
An Essay on Typography
By Eric Gill
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Eric Gill (1882-1940) was an influential British sculptor, typeface designer, and printmaker, renowned for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement. His notable works include the famous Gill Sans typeface, as well as his sculptures such as the 'Altar for the Cathedral of St. John the Divine' in New York. Gill's writing style is characterized by its clarity and precision, often reflecting his deep philosophical inquiries into art and society. In addition to his artistic creations, Gill authored several essays and books on typography, design, and religion, exploring the intersection of aesthetics and belief.
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