Helvetica: Homage to a Typeface

by Lars Müller

An ode to the beloved typeface Helvetica is a sans-serif typeface. It is simple and clean, and commonly seen in advertising, signage, and literature. The R has a curved leg, and the i and j have square dots. The Q has a straight angled tail, and the counterforms inside the O, Q, and C are oval. It is an all-purpose type design that can deliver practically any message clearly and efficiently. It is one of the most popular typefaces of all time. Homage to a Typeface presents 400 examples of Helvetica in action, selected from two diametrically opposed worlds. Superb applications by renowned designers are juxtaposed with an anonymous collection of ugly, ingenious, charming, and hair-raising samples of its use.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art, Art Design, Essays

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Nicko · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book provides an eye-opening account of the social, cultural and even political significance of Helvetica as a typeface. Who knew? When Helvetica was first introduced in the late 1950s, modernist designers loved it, and an enormous number of American corporations began using it in their printed advertisements and marketing. In the 60s and 70s, post-modernist designers and other counter-culture people grew to detest Helvetica as a symbol of corporate and government power, the Vietnam War, etc. That's just part of what the book covers; it also explains some of the basics about typefaces (major distinguishing characteristics, how people come up with new ones, etc.) and includes essays by some very amusing characters from the world of typography. Since putting the book down, I have been noticing every sign around me, staring at the font, and trying to figure out if it's Helvetica. Earlier today I checked the fonts available in the Font pull-down menu in my version of MS Word (2003), and I discovered that Helvetica is not one of them. I know it was available in an earlier version of MS Word. However, for several years, I know the default font has been Times New Roman. Interestingly, the book does not address Microsoft's or Apple's contractual relationships (or lack thereof) with the owners of Helvetica, and it does not address the question of how Microsoft decided on its default font. The book does not even mention Times New Roman or Courier. I expect there's more to the story, but it's still a very interesting read.

[Rory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putting the quotes I liked the best here for future reference.

The capital R is the only part of Helvetica that disturbs me. The odd bell-bottom curve of the leg reminds me of that photograph by Robert Mapplethorpe of a guy in a three-piece suit suit with his pants unzipped, exposing this huge, curving penis. The R is both the penis and the three-piece suit all at once. -Abbott Miller

Helvetica - never liked it, never used it. -Willi Kunz

I remember a time at Yale when my work was being critiqued by Paul Rand. Mr. Rand told me only to use Helvetica as a display face, never in text. Then he squinted, leaned in, and whispered in my ear, "because Helvetica looks like dogshit in text" -Kyle Cooper

Wouldn't it be interesting if there were only one typeface in the world? Designers would really have to think about the idea behind their designs instead of covering it up with fancy typefaces. One, universal typeface would really strip away all the flashy emptiness in design. And, of course, that one typeface would have to be Helvetica. -Erik Kessels

[Lee-Arng · Rating 4 out of 5]

- this is essentially a small photobook documenting the ubiquitous use of Helvetica throughout our lives and in every conceivable environment and medium
- it's a nice book if you're coming into it expecting a quick look see
- there isn't much text at all or explanation

[Nlimpid · Rating 4 out of 5]

在茑屋书店翻到的一本书，更像是一本画册，记录了Helvetica的各种用途。
其实我们总说Helvetica如何的现代，非常适用标题字，但有这么多已经使用的地铁标识、广告牌和品牌字摆在面前的时候，印象更加深刻。除了使用场景图，书中还有一些字体的变种也很有趣，比如类似像素风格的Helvetica，最有意思的一页是Helvetica和Aria的对比图，似在无声的控诉

[Hannah Balvig · Rating 5 out of 5]

alt er helvetica. vi er bare tilskuere

[Thaizi Ono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know that feeling - "I've seen this typeface somewhere before"?
It is Helvetica.

A very strong déjà vu feeling.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witness the ubiquity of Helvetica in picture form.

I learned that I like both the name and the look of Helvetica's predecessor, Akzidenz Grotesk.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book and can look at it for hours. if only i could bear to buy a book thats really about nothing. even more about nothing than books that assume to be about nothing.

[Oki]

I went through a Helvetica phase in high school...

[Natalie Beanland · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite typeface. A perfect book.

[Pita-eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple tribute to an extraordinary, omnipresent typeface.