Centaur Types

by Bruce Rogers

In 1948, the noted book designer and Purdue alumnus Bruce Rogers wrote a book that documented and illustrated his creation of the Centaur typeface. The book was privately printed by Rogers himself under the name of his studio, October House. This limited edition of the book was transferred to the Purdue Libraries at the time of his death along with his other papers and books. Over the years the remaining stock has found its home in the Special Collections of the Libraries. And although known as something of a collector's item by those who are aware of the few copies in circulation, it is here available to the general market for the first time. Centaur Types is a fascinating book for several reasons: in the designer's own words, we learn of the evolution of the typeface and of his interest in the art and craft of creating type; it demonstrates different and comparable typefaces, and gives examples of Centaur from six to seventy-two point; and lastly, it stands as a fitting example of fine book-making from one of the master book designers of his time.

69 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Bruce Rogers was an American typographer and type designer, acclaimed by some as among the greatest book designers of the twentieth century.

Rogers was known for his "classical" style of design, rejecting modernism, never using asymmetrical arrangements, rarely using sans serif type faces, favoring stolid roman faces such as Caslon and his own Centaur. His books now fetch high sums at auction.

Reviews

[Thảo Đàm · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the only book about a type font that I currently own. Or that I will ever own.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce Rogers is a typography god. Centaur is sublime.