Shadow Type

by Steven Heller

The first-ever compilation of shadow typefaces is now available in paperback. Letters with relief and shadow have long been an effective way to add spectacle or intrigue to otherwise mundane words. Shadow Type presents a broad spectrum of examples—advertising, shop signs, billboards, posters, type-specimen books— drawn from the nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century, a particularly rich period in the history of shadow type. Compiled by the leading historian of graphic design, Steven Heller, and renowned graphic designer Louise Fili, this invaluable collection, packed full of typographic ideas, will inspire anyone aiming to give more depth to their design.

Genres: Design, Art, Nonfiction, Art Design

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

Steven Heller writes a monthly column on graphic design books for The New York Times Book Review and is co-chair of MFA Design at the School of Visual Arts. He has written more than 100 books on graphic design, illustration and political art, including Paul Rand, Merz to Emigre and Beyond: Avant Garde Magazine Design of the Twentieth Century, Design Literacy: Understanding Graphic Design Second Edition, Handwritten: Expressive Lettering in the Digital Age, Graphic Design History, Citizen Designer, Seymour Chwast: The Left Handed Designer, The Push Pin Graphic: Twenty Five Years of Design and Illustration, Stylepedia: A Guide to Graphic Design Mannerisms, Quirks, and Conceits, The Anatomy of Design: Uncovering the Influences and Inspirations in Modern Graphic Design. He edits VOICE: The AIGA Online Journal of Graphic Design, and writes for Baseline, Design Observer, Eye, Grafik, I.D., Metropolis, Print, and Step. Steven is the recipient of the Art Directors Club Special Educators Award, the AIGA Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and the School of Visual Arts' Masters Series Award.

Reviews

[Jeff Lewonczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of 3-d lettering specimens from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. Graphic design eye candy with a few concise, informative essays for context.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent companion to Scripts: Elegant Lettering from Design's Golden Age. Love it.