About:
“Just My Type: A Book About Fonts” by Simon Garfield is a nonfiction book about fonts. After reading this book I will never look at signs the same way again.
- 356 pages
- Publisher: Gotham
- Language: English
- ISBN: 1592406521
The publisher has made available one (1) copy of “Just My Type” to be given out– enter at the end of the post.
My rating for Just My Type – 5
Buy Just My Type from Amazon.com*
More Books by Simon Garfield*
Thoughts:
“Just My Type” by Simon Garfield (website | Twitter) is a humorous and entertaining book that will change the way you look at the world. Like me, most people probably don’t think much about fonts, unless they’re ugly, unfitting or difficult to read.
As it turned out there are font aficionados out there, enough to merit heavy discussions on IKEA changing its font and to religiously maintain Internet groups. That is not including those whose livelihood depends on fonts (authors, designers, advertisers, etc.).
The book is a quick tour around the world, not only by looking at road signs but by including movies, TV shows, album covers, magazines, movies, computers, and more. What I found even more fascinating is the misuse of fonts in movies, fonts that are used in time-period movies but have actually been created later in history.
In this lively book you’ll discover how fonts are picked for road signs (very important), how are they tested at high speeds and what do fonts say about products and politicians. Of course, one could make the very legitimate argument that politicians are products, but that’s a different book.
Among the many tidbits in the book, you’ll find some gems such as how the @ sign is called in different languages (strudel in Hebrew, escargot in French), the secrets of Rolling Stone’s “R” and why the “T” is lowered on the Beatles’ logo. You’ll also read stories about the font makers and their curious lives.
No book about fonts will be complete without the “worst of” section. Mr. Garfield does well by staying away from homemade fonts and covering only those made by professionals; otherwise, that section would prove to be unruly.
Mr. Garfield did a great job writing an intriguing book on, what could have been a very boring subject, the history, and analysis of fonts. The author completed that feat by writing a cheeky book about the human side and our reaction to fonts. An added detail to this wonderful book is that most of the font names are printed in that font.
Synopsis:
The book documents the history of fonts and typefaces from Gutenberg to modern digitized versions. Using humor, the author tells of the impact of fonts on business and culture.
Buy Just My Type from Amazon.com*
More Books by Simon Garfield*
Giveaway
Rules:
- Contest is for one (1) new copy of “Just My Type”.
- There will be ONE (1) WINNER
- Must be a US/Canada mailing Address
- Ends September 13, 2011
- Winners will be chosen using Random.org
- Winners will have 24 hours after my initial contact to write back their mailing address, otherwise alternate winners will be picked
- Please consider joining the FACEBOOK BOOK GIVEAWAY group
Congratulations: Darlene’s Book Nook
TLC Book Tour for “Just My Type”:
Monday, August 15th: Melody & Words
Tuesday, August 16th: Mockingbird Hill Cottage
Wednesday, August 17th: Chaotic Compendiums
Thursday, August 18th: Books Like Breathing
Monday, August 22nd: A Home Between Pages
Tuesday, August 23rd: Steph and Tony Investigate
Wednesday, August 24th: 1330V
Thursday, August 25th: 2 Kids and Tired
Friday, August 26th: Amused by Books
Monday, August 29th: Unabridged Chick
Wednesday, August 31st: Simply Stacie
Thursday, September 1st: BookNAround
Tuesday, September 6th: Bibliosue
Wednesday, September 7th: Man of La Book
Thursday, September 8th: My Book Retreat
Monday, September 12th: Lit and Life
Wednesday, September 14th: In the Pages
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of the TLC Book Tour promotion.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account, the money is usually spent on books
Article first published as Book Review: Just My Type: A Book About Fonts by Simon Garfield on Blogcritics.
Related articles
- ‘Just My Type’: Simon Garfield’s book on fonts and the people who love them (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Fond Of Font? Check Out ‘Just My Type’ (npr.org)
- Know This Headline’s Font? You’re ‘Just My Type’ (npr.org)
- Know This Headline’s Font? You’re ‘Just My Type’ (npr.org)
- Fond Of Fonts? Check Out ‘Just My Type’ (richardrego.wordpress.com)
BOOK BLOGGERS – Have you read “Just My Type”? If so link up your review below:
15 Comments
Loved the cartoon in your post. I personally enjoyed Garfield’s discussion of the ampersand and the “controversy” over Arial.
Thanks for the comment Suzanne. The cartoon is from one of my favorite websites http://www.hipsterhitler.com – check it out.
Have you ever seen the documentary “Helvetica”? It is a fascinating look at that particular font and I really enjoyed it.
I definitely want a copy of this book for myself – I know I’d really enjoy it
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
Hi Heather, no I haven’t seen Helvetica but it’s mentioned in the book several times.
Not entering your giveaway as I have a copy of my very own, but I really enjoyed this book, and now want an interrobang key on my laptop!
John Dunning made fonts fascinating in Bookman’s Wake.
I have heard so many good things about this book. I’m looking forward to reading it in the future.
Sounds very cool! Worked at a print shop in my teens, back when things had to be sent out to typesetters. People have remarkably strong feelings for and against fonts, it’s definitely personal.
Then you’d definitely find this book interesting.
Sounds like an interesting and unique book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Good luck 🙂
I love typography and fonts! I also have to recommend “Helvetica” — it’s a great documentary. If you want a silly little book about pangrams, try “Ella Minnow Pea.” It’s really clever!
Thanks for sponsoring the Just My Type give away. Im looking forward to reading the book, regardless of the contest outcome.
I wasn’t so sure about what to expect from this book, but from your review, I like the sound of it!
Simon Garfield, author of Just My Type: A Book About Fonts, on tour August/September 2011 | TLC Book Tours