Designing With Type provides an introduction for the beginner who needs to learn more about type. But it also is complete enough to serve the needs of most professionals with experience in typesetting. Instead of covering numerous type specimens, the book analyzes only five (Garamond, Baskerville, Bodoni, Century Expanded, and Helvetica) — Each with historical significance and still popular today.

Designing with Type is a unique combination of student textbook and professional reference. It presents a complete overview of the field of typography, from the origins of the alphabet through contemporary typsetting methods. All type fundamentals are discussed; fundamentals which are inherent in all successful type design, whether handset or computer generated. If the student had to choose just one book for the journey from classroom to design studio, this would be it.