The Non-Designer's Type Book : Insights and Techniques for Creating Professional-Level Type

by Robin P. Williams

This latest addition to Robin Williams' Non-Designers line of books not only defines the principles governing type but explains the logic behind them so readers can understand and see what looks best and why. Armed with this knowledge, and putting into practice the secrets Robin reveals for making type readable and artistic, readers can then go on to create beautiful, sophisticated, professional-looking pages on their computers for output as hard copy or for use on Web pages. Each short chapter explores a different type secret including use of evocative typography, tailoring typeface to project, working with spacing, punctuation marks, special characters, fonts, justification, and much more. It is written in the lively, engaging style that has made Williams one of the most popular computer authors today. And it uses numerous examples to illustrate the subtle details that make the difference between good and sophisticated use of type. The non-platform specific, non-software specific approach to the book makes this a must-have for any designer's bookshelf - from type novices to more experienced graphic designers and typesetters. Please note! If you've read Beyond the Mac is not a typewriter then you don't need this book. This book is almost exactly the same as Beyond the Mac is not a typewriter .

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Art Design, Technology

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Robin P. Williams is an American writer of computer-related books. She is particularly known for her manuals of style The Mac is Not a Typewriter and The Non-Designer's Design Book, as well as numerous manuals for various Mac OS operating systems and applications, including The Little Mac Book. Williams has also spent years studying William Shakespeare, and in 2006 issued her book Sweet Swan of Avon: Did a Woman Write Shakespeare? in which she proposed the writer Mary Sidney as a candidate in the Shakespearean authorship question.

Reviews

[Olga_Kotki · Rating 5 out of 5]

bardzo mądra książka

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "The Non-Designers Design Book" a few years ago, and I think it gave me a good foundation, so when I wanted to read more about type I thought this would be a good place to start. Some of the material had already been covered in my writing courses in college, but she picked up where they left off and answered some of the questions I had, namely about how typographers seem to assign "personalities" to type and how to identify and use them. She demystified type for me, I look forward to learning more.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information succinctly delivered by this book. It was the text for my digital page design class and served as an apt companion to our InDesign work. My only complaint (and the reason I give the book three stars instead of four) is that while the content of the book is solid, it's form is well, kind of homely. 'Nuff said.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Williams makes Type accessible to the regular non-designer, especially those people who weren't planning to design anything yet find themselves as part of the design process. The information is easily understood and well presented. If you have no idea about Type, then this is a good starting place for you.

[Tatiana Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way Ms. Williams writes about typography. This was a fun, in-your-face look at the world of type and what not to do with it. She gives great examples. I definitely learned a lot. I will most likely keep this book close by every time I'm designing with type.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book, it seemed a little dated, as desktop publishing software has come a long way since 1998. Wish my library had the second edition issued in 2005.

But, I learned some stuff that I have been doing wrong, and can see why it’s wrong now, so in that way the book defiantly is good.

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very approachable on typography from a desktop publishing point of view. Outlines ideas and concepts clearly, encouraging the reader along the way. Great examples. Small but packed with goodness. Good to review once and a while in case you've developed any bad, lazy habits.

[Christian Baloga · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most valuable tools a graphic designer could own! I bought this one for a typography class in college and refuse to sell it! The pages are literally falling out because I've used it so much. You'll want to keep this one at arms reach!

[AA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great follow up to the non-designer's design book. It helps the novice "see" type in a while new way.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong text to explain the principles of typography in print publishing to individuals who've never approached the topic before.

[Jelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for learning some typography basics. Good book to start with.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really interested in typography for some reason and enjoyed this book. Definitely worth picking up.

[Julie Bozza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stuff.

[Richard Luciano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read, dealing with one of the most challenging parts of design, typography. As usual, very well done Robin! :-)

[Belal Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be read along side Robbin's design book. If you haven't read either this or the design book, get the deluxe edition which bundles the both of them together.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for basic layout rules and techniques that should set any designer up for success when followed.

[Russell]

Average