Digital Typography: An Introduction to Type and Composition for Computer System Design

by Richard Rubinstein

First edition. Topics covered include the history and analysis of letterforms, the psychology of reading, characteristics of output devices, font design, page layout, and the relationship between screen and paper images, with glossary. The author also operates the Anachronism Press. xii, 340 pages. paper-covered boards, dust jacket. 8vo..

340 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1988

Reviews

[Kim Pallister · Rating 4 out of 5]

An older book, this is a bit dated, especially since it deals with tech details of getting type on screen. As such, some pieces no longer apply. However, there is some real gold in here that is timeless, both in terms of the history of type and why certain things are done the way they are as well as some good research cited that actually quantifies things like how reading speed or comprehension vary with, say, margin width or line leading.

I also really liked the list of suggested areas for R&D - sort of an unsolved problems list from 20 years ago, many of which still apply.