LETTERS AND LETTERING LETTE R S LETTERING A TREATISE WITH 200 EXAMPLES FRANK CHOUTEAU BROWN BOSTON BATES & GUILD COMPANY MCMVI FIFTH EDITION I Copyright, 1902, l>y BATES 6f GUILD COMPANY Printed by THE EVERETT PRESS COMPANY Boston, Mast. STACK ANNEX 3 GOO NOTE THIS book is intended for those who have felt the need of a varied collection of alphabets of standard forms, arranged for convenient use. The alphabets illustrated, while primarily intended to exhibit the letter shapes, have in most cases been so arranged as to show also how the letters compose into words, except in those instances where they are intended to be used only as initials. The application of classic and medieval letters to modern usages has been, as far as possible, suggested by showing modern designs in which similar forms are employed. In view of the practical aim of this treatise it has been deemed advisable to include a larger number of illustrative examples rather than to devote space to the historical evo- lution of the letter forms. To the artists, American and European, who have so kindly furnished him with drawings of their characteristic letters and without whose cordial assistance this book would hardly have been possible to the master-printers who have allowed him to show types specially designed for them, and to the publishers who have given him permission to borrow from their books and magazines, the author wishes to express his sincere obligations. F. C. B. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS I and 2 ALPHABET AFTER SEBASTIAN SERLIO (1473-1554). Reconstructed by Albert R. Ross . . . -4-5 3 WIDTH PROPORTIONS OF MODERN ROMAN CAPITALS. F. C. B 7 4 DRAWING FOR INCISED ROMAN CAPITALS. For cutting in granite. Letter forms based upon those shown in figures I and 2. F. C. B. . . . . . .10 5 PHOTOGRAPH OF INCISED ROMAN CAPITALS. Cut in granite from drawing shown in figure 4 . . . . .11 6 INCISED ROMAN CAPITALS. From the Arch of Constantine, Rome. 315 A.D. From a photograph . . .12 7 MODEL FOR INCISED ROMAN CAPITALS. Used for inscrip- tions cut in granite on Boston Public Library. McKim, Mead & White, Architects. Photographed from a cast . 1 3 8 ROMAN INCISED CAPITALS. From fragments in marble. National Museum, Naples. Rubbing . . 14 9 ROMAN INCISED INSCRIPTION. Museo Civico, Bologna. From a photograph . . . . ..15 10 ROMAN INCISED INSCRIPTION. Museo Civico, Bologna. From a photograph . . . . . 1 5 1 1 DETAIL FROM A ROMAN INCISED INSCRIPTION. Showing composition. Redrawn from a rubbing. F. C. B. . 1 6 12 " RUSTIC " ROMAN CAPITALS. Of pen forms, but cut in stone. Redrawn from a rubbing. From fragment in the National Museum, Naples. F. C. B. . . .16 1 3 ROMAN CAPITALS FROM FRAGMENTS OF INSCRIPTIONS. Showing various characteristic letter forms. Redrawn from rubbings. F. C. B. . . . . 1 7 14 MODERN ROMAN INCISED CAPITALS. Executed in sand- stone. From the Harvard Architectural Building, Cam- bridge, Mass. McKim, Mead & White, Architects . 18 I 5 LETTERS SHOWN IN ALPHABET i AND 2, IN COMPOSITION. By Albert R. Ross . . . . . 19 viii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIGURE PAGE 1 6 and 17 CLASSIC ROMAN CAPITALS. Cut in marble. Redrawn from rubbings made in the Forum, Rome. F. C. B 20-21 1 8 and 1 9 CLASSIC ROMAN CAPITALS. Late period. Cut in marble. Redrawn from rubbings. F. C. B. . 22-23 20 PORTION OF ROMAN INSCRIPTION. With supplied letters. Redrawn from a rubbing. F. C. B. . . . . 24 21 CLASSIC ROMAN INSCRIPTION. Incised in marble. Redrawn from a rubbing. F. C. B. . . . . 25 22 CLASSIC ROMAN INSCRIPTION. In stone. Redrawn from a rubbing. F. C. B. 26 23 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE INSCRIPTION. Square-sunk in marble. From a photograph of a mortuary slab . . .28 24 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE MEDAL. By Vittore Pisano. I 5th Century. From a photograph . . . . .29 25 MODERN FRENCH MEDAL. By Oscar Roty. From a pho- tograph of the original in the Luxembourg, Paris . .29 26 CAPITALS ADAPTED FROM RENAISSANCE MEDALS. F. C. B. 30 27 SPANISH RENAISSANCE ALPHABET. By Juan de Yciar. From "Arte por la qual se esena a escrevir perfectamente. " (Saragossa, 1550) . . . . . . 31 28 RENAISSANCE INLAID MEDALLION. From a floor-slab in Santa Croce, Florence. Redrawn from a rubbing. F. C. B. 32 29 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS. From an inlaid floor-slab in Santa Croce, Florence. (Compare figure 28.) Redrawn from a rubbing. F. C. B. . . . . -33 30 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE PANEL. From Raphael's tomb, Pantheon, Rome. From a photograph . . .34 3 1 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE INCISED INSCRIPTION. From the Marsuppini Tomb, Santa Croce, Florence, 1455. Rub- bing 35 32 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE INCISED INSCRIPTION. From a floor- slab in Santa Croce, Florence. Early I5th Century. Rubbing . . . . . . . -35 33 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS. Redrawn from inscrip- tion on the Marsuppini Tomb, Santa Croce, Florence, 1455. ( Compare figure 3 1 .) F. C. B. . . 36 34 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS. Redrawn from rubbings of inscriptions in Santa Croce, Florence. F. C. B. . 37 35 and 36 ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS. By G. A. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ix FIGURE PAGE Tagliente. From "^t g ^, S ^ ^^ ^ i / \ - > IT / / ^; A X, J / 1 1 L - +- ! \ \ ! \ { v^- -/ i \ 3 s 7" J \\\ 3 /j s ->; v ^-~ r r. ^ ' _ ^ v s ~*~ *' - <^. ^^ \ 2 2 r v ~, 2. V X ^, 2 C ^ Y \ 1. ALPHABET AFTER SERLIO RECONSTRUCTED BY ALBERT R. ROSS ROMAN CAPITALS V 5 2. ALPHABET ABATER SERLIO RECONSTRUCTED BY ALBERT R. ROSS 6 ROMAN CAPITALS has partially adapted the letter for use in stone, and has further varied it in details, notably in serif treatment. In most modern stone-cut letters, however, the thin strokes would be made even wider than in this example, as in 14. Mr. Ross's adaptation shows excellently how far the classic letters do or do not fill out the theoretical square. Width proportions, which may be found useful in laying out lettering for lines of a given length, are shown in 3 in a more modern style of the Roman capital. In the classic Roman letter the cross-bar is usually in the exact center of the letter height, but in 3 the center line has been used as the bottom of the cross-bar in B, E, H, p, and R, and as the top of the cross-bar in A j and in letters like K, Y and x the " waist lines," as the meeting points of the sloping lines are sometimes called, have been slightly raised to obtain a more pleasant effect. The Roman alphabet, although the one most in use, is unfortunately the most difficult to compose into words artistically, as the spacing between the letters plays a great share in the 'result. The effect of even color over a whole panel is obtained by keeping as nearly as possible the same area of white between each letter and its neighbor ; but the shape of this area will be determined in every case by the letters which happen to be juxtaposed. Individual letters may, however, be widened or condensed to help fill an awkward "hole" in a line of lettering; the lower lobe of the B may be extended, the center bar of the E pulled out (in which case the F should be made to correspond), the lower slant stroke of the K. may be used as a swash tail, and the R may have its tail extended or drawn closely back against the upright line, and so on. Indeed, each and ROMAN CAPITALS PROPORTIONAL -WIDTH -JIACING OF - MODERN -ROMAN CAPITAL- LETTER/- 3. WIDTH PROPORTIONS OF MODERN ROMAN CAPITALS F.C.B. 8 ROMAN CAPITALS every letter of the alphabet is susceptible to such similar modifications in shape as may make it best suit the space left for it by its neighbors. Observe, for example, the spacing of the word MERITAE in 34, and notice how the tail of the R is lengthened to hold off the I because the T on the other side is perforce held away by its top. In the page of capitals, 124, by Mr. Bridwell, see also how the different spacing of the word FRENCH in the first and second lines is managed. In the advertisement, 123, also by Mr. Bridwell, note how the letters are spaced close or wide in order to produce a definite effect. The whole problem of spacing is, however, one of such subtle interrelation and composition, that it can only be satisfactorily solved by the artistic sense of the designer. Any rules which might be here formulated would prove more often a drawback than a help. Certain optical illusions of some of the Roman letter forms should be briefly mentioned. These illusions are caused by the failure of certain letters to impinge squarely with determining serifs against the demarking top and bot- tom guide lines. The round letters c, G, o and Q^ often seem to be shorter and smaller than the other characters in a word unless the outsides of their curves run both above and below the guide lines. For the same reason s should be sometimes slightly increased in height, though in this case the narrowness of the letter makes less increase necessary; and j, on account of its kern, is governed by the same conditions as s, save when letters with distinct serifs come closely against it at the bottom. Theoretically the right side of D would require similar treatment, but actually this is seldom found necessary. The pointed ends of ROMAN CAPITALS 9 the letters v and w should, for similar optical reasons, be extended slightly below the bottom guide lines, the amount of this extension being determined by the letters on each side of them. In the A, the Roman letterer at first got over the optical difficulty caused by its pointed top by running this letter also higher than its neighbors; but he later solved the problem by shaping its apex as shown in i, thus apparently getting the letter into line with its companions while still obtaining a sufficient width of top to satisfy the eye. Because of its narrowness, I should generally be allowed more proportionate white space on either side of it than the wider letters. Some idea of the proportionate variations required to counteract the optical illusions of the letters above named may be obtained from the practice of type-founders. In making the designs for a fount of type, it has been customary to first draw each letter at a very large size. Taking an arbitrary height of twelve inches as a standard, the points of A and v were made to extend about three-quarters of an inch above or below the guides, the letter o was run over about half an inch at both top and bottom, and the points of the w were made to project about the same distance. In pen lettering, however, it is possible and preferable to adapt each letter more perfectly to its individual surround- ings by judgment of the eye than to rely upon any hard and fast rules. Certain variations between the stone-cut forms of the Roman letters and their forms as drawn or printed should be understood before an intelligent adaptation of stone forms to drawn forms, or the opposite, is possible. When drawn or printed a character is seen in black against a 10 ROMAN CAPITALS white ground with no illusory alterations of its line widths caused by varying shadows. In stone-cut letters, on the other hand, where the shadows rather than the outlines themselves reveal the forms, different limitations govern the problem. The thin lines of a letter to be v-sunk 4. DRAWING FOR INCISED ROMAN CAPITALS IN GRANITE F.C.B. should generally be made slightly thicker in proportion to the wide lines than is the case with the pen-drawn letter, especially as the section is likely to be less deeply and sharply cut nowadays than in the ancient examples, for the workmanship of to-day seems to be less perfect and the materials used more friable. A slight direct sinkage before beginning to cut the v-sunk section is a useful method of ROMAN CAPITALS 11 partially atoning for modern shallow cutting, as shadows more directly defining the outlines are thus obtained. The student should, however, be warned at the outset that all 5. PHOTOGRAPH FROM INCISED ROMAN CAPITALS SHOWN IN 4 reproductions or tracings from rubbings of ancient stone-cut letters are apt to be more or less deceptive, as all the acci- dental variations of the outlines are exaggerated, and where the stone of the original has been chipped or worn away it appears in the reproduction as though the letter had been actually so cut. The photograph of a panel of lettering from the upper part of the Arch of Constantine, Rome, shown in 6, well indicates the effect of shadows in defining the classic Roman letters ; and the effect of shadows on an incised letter may be clearly observed by comparing 4 and 5, the former show- ing a drawing for an inscription in which the Serlio-Ross ROMAN CAPITALS 13 YBCDE Ff^ m VJ LMNOP QRSTV X" 7. MODEL FOR INCISED ROMAN CAPITALS McKIM, MEAD & WHITE 14 ROMAN CAPITALS alphabet was used as a basis for the letter forms, and the latter being a photograph of the same inscription, as cut in granite. It will be noted how much narrower the thin - 8. ROMAN INCISED CAPITALS FROM A RUBBING lines appear when defined only by shadow than in the drawing. The model used for the lettering on the frieze of the Boston Public Library, 7, which shows some interest- ing modern forms intended for cutting in granite, should be studied for the effect of the cast shadows; while 14, a redrawing of inscriptions on the Harvard Architectural Building, Cambridge, Mass., exhibits an excellent type of letter with widened thin lines for v-cutting in sandstone. The special requirements of the stone-cut forms for either incised or raised inscriptions are, however, quite apart from the subject of this book, and are too various to be taken up in greater detail here. It is important, nevertheless, that the designer should be reminded always to make allowance for the material in which a letter was originally executed. Otherwise, if exactly copied in other materials, he may find the result annbyingly unsatisfactory. ROMAN CAPITALS 15 The examples of letters taken from Roman and Renais- sance Italian monuments, shown in the pages of this chapter, will illustrate the variety of individual letter forms vT ANNAE/- L-StATiAF il TN A E - rAPOLT-F- V i r R-i <\ETI ETATTia -MB 9. ROMAN INCISED INSCRIPTION BOLOGNA used by the Classic and Renaissance designers. The" shape of the same letter will often be found to vary in the same inscription and even in apparently analogous :TREB!VStF10NGVS s VETFR A NVS- COHORTS SECVNI 10. ROMA/N INCISED INSCRIPTION BOLOGNA cases. The designers evidently had in mind more than the directly adjacent words, and sometimes even considered 16 ROMAN CAPITALS the relation of their lettering to objects outside the panel altogether. This is especially true in the work of the Italian Renaissance, which is almost invariably admirable in both composition and arrangement. 11. DETAIL FROM A ROMAN INCISED INSCRIPTION F.C.B. Figures 8 to 22 show examples, drawn from various sources, which exhibit different treatments of the classic Roman letter forms. The differentiation will be found to fiMKEDfM 12. ROMAN CAPITALS OF PEN FORMS CUT IN STONE F.C.B. lie largely in the widths of the letters themselves, and in the treatment of the serifs, angles, and varying widths of line. P'igures II to 13 and i6to 22 are redrawn from rubbings ROMAN CAPITALS 17 of Roman incised inscriptions. Figures 16 and 17 show beautifully proportioned letters cut in marble with unusual care and refinement, considering the large size of the orig- inals. A later Roman form of less refinement but of greater 13. ROMAN CAPITALS FROM INSCRIPTIONS FROM RUBBINGS. F.C.B. strength and carrying power, and for that reason better adapted to many modern uses, is shown in 1 8 and 19. In this case the original letters were cut about seven and 20 ROMAN CAPITALS 16. CLASSIC CAPITALS CUT IN MARBLE ROMAN FORUM. F.C.B. ROMAN CAPITALS 21 17. CLASSIC CAPITALS CUT IN MARBLE ROMAN FORUM. F. C. B. 22 ROMAN CAPITALS 18. CLASSIC CAPITALS CUT IN MARBLE FROM RUBBINGS. F.C.B. ROMAN CAPITALS 23 19. CLASSIC CAPITALS CUT IN MARBLE FROM RUBBINGS. F.C.B. ROMAN CAPITALS 27 one-half inches high. The letters in 20 are curiously modern in character. Part of the panel of Roman letter- ing shown in 21 exhibits the use of a form very like that shown in 1 8 and 19. Figure II shows a detail composed in a quite representative fashion; while on the other hand figure 1 2 depicts a Roman letter of quite unusual character, and of a form evidently adapted from pen work, in which the shapes are narrow and crowded, while the lines are thickened as though they were of the classical square out- line. The bits of old Roman inscriptions shown in 8 to I o and in 1 3 are included to exhibit various different forms and treatments of classic capitals. After the fall of Rome and during the Dark Ages the practice of lettering, at least in so far as the Roman form was concerned, was distinctly retrograde. With the advent of the Renaissance, however, the purest classic forms were revived; and indeed the Italian Renaissance seems to have been the golden age of lettering. With the old Roman fragments of the best period constantly before their eyes the Renaissance artists of Italy seem to have grasped the true spirit of classicism ; and their work somehow acquired a refinement and delicacy lacking in even the best of the Roman examples. As much of the Italian Renaissance lettering was intended for use on tombs or monuments where it might be seen at close range, and was cut in fine marble, the increased refinement may be due, at least in part, to different conditions. The panel from Raphael's tomb in the Pantheon, Rome, 30, shows a beautiful and pure form of typical Renaissance letter; and the composition of the panel is as well worthy 28 ROMAN CAPITALS of careful study as are the letter forms. Figure 34, devised from a tomb in Santa Croce, portrays a letter not only beautiful in itself, but one which, with two minor changes (for the top bar of the T might advantageously be shortened CRISTQPHOR' VRVS PRINi 23. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE INSCRIPTION IN MARBLE to allow its neighbors to set closer, and the M might be finished at the top with a serif, after the usual fashion), is exactly applicable to the purposes of the modern draughts- man. This type of letter appears to best advantage when used in such panel forms as those shown in the rubbing from the Marsuppini tomb, 31, and in the floor slab from the same church, 32. Two very refined examples, 28 and 29, also from slabs in Santa Croce, Florence, date from about the same period. The latter exhibits the alphabet itself, and the former shows a similar letter form as actually used. The letters in 33, redrawn from rubbings from the , Marsuppini tomb, are shown for comparison with the rub- bing itself, which is reproduced in smaller size in 31. Taken together, plates 30, 31 and 32 will fairly represent not only the usual fashion of composing Renaissance panels, but capital forms which illustrate some of the most excellent work of this period. 30 ROMAN CAPITALS A very different and interesting type of letter was used on many of the best medals of the Italian Renaissance (see 24), which has been recently adapted and employed by modern medal designers in France, as exhibited in figure 25. Although absolutely plain, it is, when properly composed, much more effective in the service for which it was intended 26. CAPITALS ADAPTED FROM RENAISSANCE MEDALS F. C. B. than a more elaborate and fussy form ; and although sometimes adapted with good results to other uses, it is particularly appropriate for casting in metal. Similar forms rendered in pen and ink are shown in 26. Figures 27, and 35 to 41 show various pen or printed forms of capital letters redrawn from the handiwork of Renaissance masters. The capital letters shown in 27 are unusually beautiful, and their purity of form is well dis- ROMAN CAPITALS 31 played in the outline treatment. Perhaps the best known standard example of a Renaissance pen-drawn letter is that by Tagliente, reproduced in 35 and 36. In spite of their familiarity it has seemed impossible to omit the set of capi- 27. SPANISH RENAISSANCE ALPHABET JUAN DEVCIAR, 1550 tals, with variants, by Albrecht Diirer, 37 and 38; for Durer's letters were taken as a basis by nearly all such Renaissance designers of lettering as Geoffrey Tory, Leon- ardo da Vinci, etc. It should be observed in the Diirer 32 ROMAN CAPITALS alphabet that among the variant forms of individual letter; shown, one is usually intended for monumental use, while another exhibits pen treatment in the characteristic swelling of the round letters etc. 28. RENAISSANCE INLAID MEDALLION FROM A RUBBING. F.C.B Serlio's alphabet, 39 and 40, should be compared with Mr. Ross's modification of it, reproduced in I and 2. The alphabet shown in 41 is a somewhat expanded form oi classic capital, contrasting markedly in various respects with more typical forms. ROMAN CAPITALS 33 ALZONE BCDEFG HIKLMPR STQVFf FILIPPOX 29. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS SANTA CROCK. F.C. B. ,. 36 ROMAN CAPITALS ITALIAN BJE NAISSANCE LETTERING ABCDEFGH UKLMNOP Q&STUW VXY POLVS QYE EKAT Z 33. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS MARSUPPINI TOMB. F.C. B. ROMAN CAPITALS 37 ITALIAN LETTERS MERITXE ABCDLFG HIJKLMN OPQRSTU VZWXY 34. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS FROM RUBBINGS. F. C. B. 38 ROMAN CAPITALS 35. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS G. A. TAGLIENTE, 1524 ROMAN C A PITALS 39 36. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS G. A. TAGLIENTE, 1634 40 ROMAN CAPITALS AABBB DEEPG GHIKK KLLMM 37. GERMAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS ALBRECHT DURER, 1525 ROMAN CAPITALS 41 NNNO PPPRR TTTVX XYYZZ 88. GERMAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS ALBRECHT DURER. 1526 42 ROMAN CAPITALS ABC GHI rvw 39. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS SERLIO, 16th CENTURY ROMAN CAPITALS 43 DEF ICLM QRS XYZ 40. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS SBRLIO, 16th CENTURY 44 ROMAN CAPITALS ISM 41. GERMAN RENAISSANCE CAPITALS URBAIN WYSS. 16th CENTURY ROMAN CAPITALS 45 A practically unlimited number of other examples might have been included to show various capital forms of Renais- sance letters; but the specimens chosen will adequately illustrate all the more distinctive and refined types of the individual letters. Before, during and after the Renaissance movement many local and extraneous influences temporarily modified the forms of the Roman letters. There are, for instance, numerous examples of lettering in which Byzantine and Romanesque traits are strongly apparent, such as the free manipulation of the letter forms in order to make them fit into given lines and spaces. The drawing of the panel over the doorway of the Badia, Florence, 42, notable for the char- acteristic placing and composition of the letters, will serve as a case in point. This example is further interesting because it shows how the Uncial form of the letter was beginning to react and find a use in stone a state of affairs which at ^MSm^fl^WAmSwawSs *M 42. ITALIAN RENAISSANCE PANEL, FLORENCE C. F. BRAGDON first glance might seem anomalous, for the Uncial letter was distinctly a pen-drawn form; but it was discovered that its rounder forms made it particularly useful for inscribing stones which were likely to chip or sliver, in carving which it was consequently desirable to avoid too acute angles. The Roman letter underwent various salient modifications 46 ROMAN CAPITALS at the hands of the scribes of extra-Italian nations. We find very crude variants of the Roman letter, dating hun- dreds of years after the Roman form had reached its highest TDE RIC5ARD-DOYEY 43. MODERN TITLE (Compare 46) B. G. GOODHUE development ; and, on the other hand, some very beautiful and individual national variants were produced. The con- tinual interchange of manuscripts among the nations on the continent of Europe probably explains the more conven- tional character and strong general resemblance of most of the early Continental work ; but the scribes of insular Eng- land, less influenced by contemporary progress and exam- ples, produced forms of greater individuality (see 46, 47, 44. MODERN TITLE (Compare 49) WALTER CRANE 48). In Ireland, letter forms originally derived from early Roman models were developed through many decades with no ulterior influences, and resulted in some wonderfully distinctive and beautiful variations of the Roman letters, ROMAN CAPITALS 47 though the beauty of these Irish examples can only be faintly suggested by reproductions limited to black and white, and without the decorations of the originals. Figures 43 and 44 illustrate, respectively, modern employ- ments of such strongly characteristic letters as those shown HRcnrfecTURe craeFLY:seLecTeo FROMiGXKMPLeS oF:The:i2rHNo:i3? ceNTURies:iN: 45. TITLE IN EARLY ENGLISH CAPITALS W. E. NESFIELD in 46 and 49. From these ancient examples the designers have evolved letters suitable to the character of their work. In 44 Mr. Crane has engrafted upon a form quite per- sonal to himself a characteristic detail of treatment borrowed from the letter shown in 49. Figure 45 shows a similar and modernized employment of a standard form of Uncial capital. 48 ROMAN CAPITALS 46. ANGLO-SAXON CAPITALS 6th CENTURY ROMAN CAPITALS 49 s-bteo ufiuwnw 47. ANGLO-SAXON CAPITALS 7th CENTURY 60 ROMAN CAPITALS CDOGFE LCDMNN 48. ANGLO-SAXON CAPITALS EARLY 10th CENTURY ROMAN CAPITALS 51 A* \^-x dflu A A* A .A. QRSTU V(fiXF2 49. EARLY ENGLISH CAPITALS 16th CENTURY CHAPTER II MODERN ROMAN LETTERS The small or " minuscule " letter that we now use in all printed books attained its modern and definitive form only after the invention of printing. The first printed books were made to imitate, as closely as possible, the hand- written work of the scribes of the early fifteenth century, and as printing was first done in Germany, the earliest book types were those modeled upon German scripts, somewhat similar to that shown in 141, and their condensed or blackletter variants. The Italian printers, of a more classical taste, found the German types somewhat black and clumsy; for though Gothic characters were also used in Italy, they had become lighter and more refined there. The Italians, therefore, evolved a new form of type letter, based upon the Italian pen letters then in use, which though fundamen- tally Gothic in form had been refined by amalgamation with an earlier letter known as the " Caroline," from its origin under the direction of Charlemagne. The " Caroline " was in its turn an imitation of the Roman " Half-uncial." The close relationship of the first small type letter forms in Italy with the current writing hand of the best Italian scribes is well indicated by the legend that the " Italic," or sloped small letter, was taken directly from the handwriting of Petrarch. The new Italian types, in which classic cap- itals were combined with the newly evolved minuscule MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 53 letters, were called " Roman " from the city of their origin, and sprang into almost immediate popularity, spreading from Italy into England, France and Spain. In Germany, on the other hand, the national blackletter form persisted, and is still in use to-day. The minuscule " Roman " letters thus evolved were developed to their most perfect individual forms by the master-printers of Venice ; and it is to the models which they produced that we must revert to-day when we attempt to devise or reproduce an elegant small letter of any con- servative form. The modern pen draughtsman should bear in mind, however, that, perfect as such forms of letters may be for the uses of the printer, the limitations of type have necessarily curtailed the freedom and variety of their serif and swash lines, and that therefore, though accepting their basic forms, he need not be cramped by their restrictions, nor imitate the unalterable and sometimes awkwardly inar- tistic relations of letter to letter for which he finds precedents in the printed page. Indeed, the same general rules for spacing and the same freedom in the treatment of the serifs, kerns and swash lines are quite as applicable to pen-drawn small letters as to the capital forms. The only true path of progress lies in this freedom of treatment ; and if the same fertile artists of the Renaissance who have bequeathed to us such beautiful examples of their unfettered use of the capital had used the minuscule also, we should undoubtedly possess small letters of far more graceful and adaptable forms than those which we now have. In 50 and 51 may be found an attempt to formulate a scheme to assist in the reconstruction of an alphabet of Roman small letters, after somewhat the same fashion as 56 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS that devised for the Roman capitals by Mr. Ross, in i and 2. A small-letter diagram must, for obvious reasons, be less exact and detailed than one for the more defined capital form; but the diagram given will serve to determine suffi- ciently the main outlines and proportions. In their shapes the letters shown in 50 and 51 adhere fairly closely to the best type forms of the small letter; and the drawing will serve, further, to show the space generally allowed by modern founders between one lower-case letter and another when set into type words. This spacing is based on the m of the fount employed. The open space between all but k, w and y (in which the outlines of the letters themselves hold them further away from their neighbors) and the round letters being the space between the upright strokes of the m ; an interval represented in the diagram by a square and a half. The round letters, as has already been said in speaking of the capital forms, should be spaced nearer together; and it will be observed that they are only separated by one square in the diagram. Although sugges- tive, the rules which govern the spacing of types are not to be blindly followed by the pen letterer. In type, for instance, it would be impossible, for mechanical reasons, to allow the kerns of the f, j and y to project far over the body of the next letter, and in these letters the kerns conse- quently have either to be restrained or the letters spaced farther apart. In pen lettering, however, the designer is not restrained by such limitations, and his spacing of letters should be governed solely by the effect. The disposition of the accented lines in the small letters follow the same general rules that govern those of the capi- tals (see page 2); the only deviation being in the case of MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 57 the g, in which the shading of the bottom seems to have been determined largely by the effect upon the eye. It will be noticed in the diagram that the " ascenders " of the smaller letters rise about three squares to their extreme top points above the body of the letter; that the body of each letter is inclosed in a square that is three units high, and that the " descenders " fall but two squares below the letter body. These proportions are not by any means invariable, however, and indeed there is no fixed rule by which the proportions of ascenders and descenders to the body of the Roman minuscule may be determined. In some forms of the letter both are of the same length, and sometimes that length is the same as the body height of the letter. In general a better result is obtained by making both ascenders and descenders of less than the length of the body, and keeping the descenders shorter than the ascenders in about the proportion of two-fifths to three-fifths. Parallel lines of small letters cannot be spaced closer to each other than the ascenders and descenders will allow; the projections above and below the line are awkward, and interrupt the definite lines of demarkation at the top and bottom of the letter-bodies; the capitals necessarily used in connection with the small letters add to the irregularity of the line all of which reasons combine to limit the employ- ment of minuscule for formal or monumental uses. On the other hand, the small letter form is excellently adapted for the printed page, where the occasional capitals but tend to break the monotony, while the ascenders and descend- ers strongly characterize and increase the legibility of the letter forms. 68 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS AaabbccddeefftTgghhiijll m mnnooppcjcirrfffrssfttt&vv' u u xxjryzz.6 a &x$$d& & $b :-> ABCDEFGHIL: MN o p CLR-s T V 2 $ S '^ O Oc^ b ^ .** ^S ^ 2^i<|: P *- ^HI H ^* sT^ I ' H^ J K| fc^^ %!*' m HH ^ o^ I $ 5J ^ S g.3 S fe &S K I t^ ^^^ '^W ^s >* vS *" S & c 3 O O C -O T3 2 rs O = Q U W o < N 5 66 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS DANTE IS WELCOMED BY HIS ANCESTOR,CACCIAGUIDA. CAO CIAGUIDA TELLS OF HIS FAM^ ILY AND OF THE SIMPLE LIFE OF FLORENCE IN OLD DAYS. CANTO XV. BENIGN will, wherein the love which righteously in^ spires always manifests itself, as cupidity does in the evil will, imposed silence on that sweet lyre, & quieted the holy strings which the right hand of heaven slackens & draws tight. How unto just petitions shall those substances be deaf, who, in order to give me wish to pray unto them, were concordant in silence? Well is it that he endlessly should grieve who, for the love of thing which en^ dures not eternally, despoils him of that love. As, through the tranquil and pure evening skies, a sudden fire shoots from time to time, moving the eyes which were at rest & with 62. MODERN ROMAN TYPE "MONTAIGNE" BRUCE ROGERS MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 67 ENGLISH PREFACE TO ROBERT STEPHENS' APOLOGIE FOR HERODOTUS TOTHE RIGHT HONORABLE LORDS WILLIAM, EARLE OF PEMBROKE PHILIP,EARLEOFMONTGOMERIE Our Patrons of Learning & Patterns of Honor Ight noble Lords : Laertius tell- eth vs, that in old time there were but feuen wife men to be found in the world : but now it feemes there are hardly feuen ignorant. For a man can no fooner fet faire marke, but euery bungler will out with a bolt (as though he could cornicum oculos configere), and like Roman Cenfor will giue his cenfure, though often no more to the purpofe than Magnificat for Matins, as it is in the French prouerb. We are now fallen into that criticall age wherein Cenfores liberorum are become CENSORES LIBRORUM; Lectores, LICTORES : and euery man's works and writ- ings, (both prime inuentions and fecond-hand tranflations) are arraigned at the tribunall of each pedantical Ariftarchus vnderftanding. The World of Wonders, Imprinted for John Norton, 1607. 63. MODERN ROMAN TYPK "RENNER" THEO. L. DK VINNE 68 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS CORNELII TACITI DE VITA ET INCIPIT FELICITER CLarorum virorum facfta tum,nenostrisquidem aetas omisit, quotiens gressaestvitium tiam redti et invidiam. pronum magisque in adprodendam virtutis tantum conscientiae pretio ducebatur. potius morum quam adrogantiam aut obtrecftationi fiiit: adeo virtutes facillime gignuntur* at nunc narraturo quam non petissem incusaturus. tarn cum Aruleno Rustico Paetus Thrasea, dati essent, capitale fuisse> neque in ipsos saevitum, delegate triumviris ministerio in comitio ac foro urerentur . scilicet illo senatuset conscientiam generis humani pientiae professoribus atque omni bona turn occurreret, dedimus profecfto 64. MODERN ROMAN TYPE "MERRYMOUNT" BY B. G. GOODHUE MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 69 since known by his name. This face has comparatively recently been revived by modern type-founders ; and though this revival has provided us with a text letter far superior to the forms previously in use, the modern imitation falls short of the beauty of Caslon's original, as may be seen by comparing the letters shown in 61, which are reproduced from Caslon's specimen-book, issued by him about the middle of the eighteenth century, with the type used in printing this volume, which is a good modern " Caslon." Figures 62 to 67 show some newly devised type faces, all designed by artists of reputation. Figure 62 illustrates a fount called the " Montaigne " which has been recently completed by Mr. Bruce Rogers for the Riverside Press, Cambridge, Mass., and cut under his immediate direction, with especial insistance upon an unmechanical treatment of serifs, etc. As a result the " Montaigne " is, for type, remarkable in its artistic freedom, and its forms are well worthy the study of the designer. Both its capitals and small letters suggest the purity of the Italian Renaissance shapes. The letters space rather farther apart than in most types, and the result makes for legibility. Although several other modern faces of type have been designed on much the same lines, notably one for The Dove's Press in England, the u Montaigne " seems the best of them all, because of its freedom, and its absolute divorce from the overdone, exag- gerated, heavy-faced effects of the Morris styles of type. Mr. De Vinne of the De Vinne Press, New York City, has introduced a new type called the " Renner ", 63, which was originally cut for some of the Grolier Club's publications. The letters were first photographed from a selected page of Renner's " Quadrigesimale," then care- 70 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS MARCVS TVLLIVS CICERO DE SE- NECTUTE CATO MAJOR CAP. XXII APVDXENOPHONTEM AVTEM MO RIENS CYRVS MAJOR HAEC DICIT: |OLITE arbitrari, O mei carissimi filii, me, cum a vobis discessero, nusquam aut nullum fore. Nee enim dum eram vobiscum ani- mum meum videbatis, sed eum esse in hoc corpore ex iis rebus quas gerebam intellegebatis. Eundem igitur es- se creditote, etiam si nullum videbitis. 80. Nee vero clarorum virorum post mortem honores per- manerent, si nihil eorum ipsorum animi effice- rent, quo diutius memoriam sui teneremus. Mihi quidem persuaderi numquam potuit animos dum in corporibus essent mortalibus vivere, cum ex- cessissent ex eis emori; nee vero turn animum esse insipientem cum ex insipienti corpore eva- sisset ; sed cum omni admixtione corporis libera- tus purus et integer esse coepisset, turn esse sapientem. Atque etiam, cum hominis natura morte dissolvitur, ceterarum rerum perspicuum est quo quaeque discedat, abeunt enim illuc omnia unde orta sunt; animus autem solus nee cum 65. MODERN ROMAN TYPE "CHELTENHAM" BY B. G. GOODHUE MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 71 fully studied and redrawn before the punches were cut. Mr. De Vinne has added small capitals and italics to the fount, as well as dotted letters to serve as substitutes for the italic for those who prefer them. The " Renner " type would have been more effective on a larger body ; but for commercial usefulness it is generally deemed expedient to employ as small a body as the face of a type will allow. Mr. De Vinne notes, in this connection, that all the impor- tant types of the early printers were large, and that a fount designed to-day with regard only to its artistic effectiveness would be cast upon a large body and be of good size. Mr. Bertram G. Goodhue has designed two founts of Roman type, and is now at work on a Blackletter face. His first fount, cut for Mr. D. B. Updike, of the Merrymount Press, Boston, and known as the " Merrymount," is shown in 64. Intended for large pages and rough paper it neces- sarily shows to disadvantage in the example given, where the blackness and weight of the letters makes them seem clumsy, despite the refinement of their forms. The " Cheltenham Old Style," 65, is the other Roman face recently designed by the same artist. It was cut for the Cheltenham Press of New York City; and embodies in its present form many ideas suggested by Mr. Ingalls Kimball of that press. Observe especially the excess in length of the ascenders over the descenders, and that the serifs have been reduced to the minimum. Contrary to the usual custom in type cutting, the round letters do not run above or below the guide lines. The capitals compose excellently ; but the small letters are too closely spaced and seem too square for the best effect, and weight has been obtained by so thicken- ing the lines that much delicacy and variety has been lost. 72 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS The " Cheltenham Old Style " is, however, very legible when composed into words, and is effective on the page. Any attempt to get the effect of Blackletter with the Roman form is likely to result clumsily. The celebrated Roman faces designed by William Morris (too familiar to require reproduction here) are, despite their real beauty, ABrAEZH0IKAMNSOnPCTTXYQ *Opob JUCN co ascbpec 'AeHNdToi TCI napoNTd nparjucrra noX\HN duacoXidN CXONTQ Kdi rapa/HN. ou JUONON TCO noXXd npoeTceai Kai JUHOCN e?Nai npouprou nepi auTooN eu XerciN, aXXa Kdi nepi TOON unoXoincoN Kara raura juHde icae' CN TO cuju9epoN naNTac Hrctceai, aXXa role JUCN codi, ToTc V erepcoc &OKCIN. 66. MODERN GREEK TYPE SELWYN IMAGE over-black on the page, and awkward when examined in detail. While the stimulus Morris's work gave to typog- raphy was much needed at that time, the present reaction toward more refined faces is most gratifying. By precept and example Mr. Morris produced a salutary revolt against the too thin and light and mechanical type faces before in use, but he went too far in the opposite direction, and we are now certainly falling back upon a more desirable mean. Mr. Herbert P. Home is at present designing a new fount of type for the Merrymount Press, Boston, to be MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 73 known as the " Mont' Allegro," which seems, from the designs so far as at present completed, likely to prove in- some respects the most scholarly and severe of modern faces. *9 Up, Lord, &r)d let i)ot npat? bave tbe upper barjd : let the beatbex) be judged ix> tby sigbt. 20 Put then} ir> f5ar, O Lord : tbatfhc beatbei) rpay ki)o w tbcrrjscl vcs to be but riper?. PSALME X. UTQUID,DOMINE? )HY staijdest tbou so far off, O Lord: ai)d bidest tby face ir> tbe peedful tiipe of trou^ ble? 2 Tbeuijgodtyf&rbis owp lust dotb perse^ cute fhe poor: let tbexx> be taker? ir> tbe craf- ty wilir>ess tbat bave irrjagir)Gd. 3 For tbe upgod^- batb n?ade boast of bis owr> bcart's desire : apd speaketb good of ftie covetous, wbont) God abborreti% 4 Tbe uijgod^y is so proud, tbat be caretb iTOt f6r God : peitber is God ir) all bis tbougbts. 67. MODERN ROMAN TYPE C. R. ASHBEE The Greek type designed for the Macmillan Company of England, by Mr. Selwyn Image, 66, is of sufficient interest to be shown here, despite the fact that it is not strictly germane to our subject. In this face Mr. Image has 74 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS returned to the more classic Greek form, although the result may at first glance seem illegible to the reader familiar with the more common cursive letters. The type shown in 67 is a new English face designed by Mr. C. R. Ashbee for a prayerbook for the King. Interesting as it is, it seems in many ways too extreme and eccentric to be wholly satisfactory : the very metal of type would seem to postulate a less " tricky " treatment. LETTERyGER^K) AR>CPCfGHl)r ci d \rt- RechcRche p*iMllv imrv&mivtion jjroOioue mi* ctlrvtcnt en cc R'ecuei) ; /< lra\)ait fail trducjoie /\ K Oc con^ehhon> le f>tf.*Ttul pRVcKmc I'cntR^irt - 86. MODERN ENGLISH CAPITALS WALTER CRANE MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 89 COMEDY-THEATRE SIiAKESPEAMN-SEASN DECEMBER 19-1900 -TO APRIL9 -1901 87. MODERN ENGLISH POSTER WALTER CRANE 90 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS ftBGD KbMNO UWXTZ 88. MODERN ENGLISH CAPITALS WALTER CRANE MODERN ROMAM LETTERS 91 - ftacchartfes - torn -Smbol Joy- Qua Ke -Truth- t- MODERN ENGLISH LETTERS WALTER CRANE it a "Cursive" letter, and has recently made designs for ^its- use in type. The page shown in 83 is from the .preface to a book of his well-known designs for monograms, and the entire text is written in this cursive form. The indi- vidual letters of this "Cur- sive" may be more easily studied in 84. The cover for "L'Image", 81, shows the same designer's use of a more conventional Roman form. O The poster by M. Theo. van Rysselberghe shown in 77 exhibits two interesting forms of French small letters that are worthy of study and sug- gestive for development. M. AlphonsMucha employs a distinctive letter, especially fitted to his technique, which he uses almost invariably, 82. Much recent French letter- ing inclines toward a certain formlessness, that, although sometimes admirable when regarded merely from the point of view of harmony with the design, has little value other- wise. A typical specimen of such formless lettering is that 90. MODERN ENGLISH TITLE shown in the very charming JOSEPH w. SIMPSON TB(0)K o oQF BOOK* PLATES o oPVBLISHED QVARTERLYAT 2o FREDERICKS IN EDINBVRGH 92 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS TS cFrenchCIeancrs tciJhWalk EDINBURGH 91. MODERN ENGLISH POSTER JOSEPH W. SIMPSON "Revue Blanche" poster, 80. Excellent when considered with the design, the lettering alone makes but an indifferent showing. The Italian designers of letters have not yet evolved any very distinctive national forms. In many ways Italian work resembles the German. It has less originality, but greater subtlety and refinement. The strongest personality among modern British letterers is Mr. Walter Crane. Characteristic examples of his work are shown in 86, 87, 88 and 89. Although sometimes apparently careless and too often rough, his lettering has the merit and charm of invariably disclosing the instrument and the material employed. Mr. Crane is especially fond of an Uncial pen form, which he varies with masterful freedom. It may be mentioned in pass- ing that he is perhaps the only designer who has been able to make the wrongly accented Q^ seem consistent (compare 86), or who has conquered its swash tail when the letter is accented in this unusual way. LondonTVpes ByWifflamNicholson. 92. MODERN ENGLISH COVER WILLIAM NICHOLSON MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 93 93. MODERN ENGLISH COVER LEWIS F.'DAY Mr. Lewis F. Day has be- come a recognized authority on lettering, both through his writings and his handiwork. His great versatility makes it difficult to select a specimen which may be taken as char- acteristic of his work; but per- haps the lettering shown in 95 is as representative as any that could be chosen. Among his designs the magazine cover, 93, is an unusually free and effec- tive composition, and its letter forms possess the variety re- quired to satisfy the eye when so much of the whole effect of the design depends upon them. The style of lettering ordinarily employed by Mr. Selwyn Image a style of marked originality and distinction is well exhibited in the design for a book cover, 98. The name of Mr. Charles Ricketts is intimately associated with the Vale Press. The detail of the title-page repro- duced in 100 shows a char- acteristic bit of his work. Mr. J. W. Simpson, one of the younger British draughts- men, uses a graceful and interestingly linked Roman form shown in the panel from a title-page, 90. The bizarre THE PAGE Christmas 1900 MODERN ENGLISH TITLE GORDON CRAIG 94 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS ABCD FGHIK LMNOP QRSTU WXYZ 95. MODERN ENGLISH CAPITALS LEWIS F. DAY MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 95 letter by the same artist, 91, is fairly representative of a style recently come into vogue among the younger British draughtsmen, which is related to a form of letter brought into fashion by the new Eng- lish school of designers on wood, among whom may be mentioned Mr. William Nich- olson and Mr. Gordon Craig, both of whom have done letter- ing distinguished by its indica- tion of the medium employed. Figure 92 shows Mr. Nichol- son's favorite type of letter THE NATURAL: HISTORY OF-SELBORNE-BY GILBERT-^7HITE Edited by Grant Allen Illustrated by Edmund H-Nev POEMS BY ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT AN NINO BELL AND INTRODVCTION BY WALTER RALEIGH LONDON ; GEORGE BELL ?fSONS YORK STREET COVENT GARDEN =NEW YORK 66 FIFTH A/ENVE MDCCCXCVH 6. MODERN ENGLISH TITLE ROBERT ANNING BELL paiDuersi 'xix-cenjur^ 97. MODERN ENGLISH COVER EDMUND H. NEW 8. MODERN ENGLISH COVER SELWYN IMAGE 96 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS fairly, and the style of Mr. Craig's work is suggested by the title for a book cover in 94. The book cover, 97, by Mr. Edmund H. New, shows ORIGINALITY- OF DEJIGN-GODD CRAFTJMAN- -JHIPMODERATECHARGEy CATALOGUE! FREE 99. MODERN ENGLISH CAPITALS ANONYMOUS variants of the Roman capital and minuscule forms, which closely adhere to classic models. Mr. Robert Anning Bell has done much distinctive let- tering in intimate association with design. Figure 96 is fairly representative of his style of work. 1. 1- I IH MVSCS VT 100. MODERN ENGLISH CAPITALS CHARLES RICKETTS Such other British artists as Messrs. Alfred Parsons, James F. Sullivan. Hugh Thompson, Herbert Railton, Byam Shaw, H. Granville Fell and A. Garth Jones, although much better known for their designs than for their letters, occa- MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 97 101. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE EDWIN A. ABBEY sionally give us bits of letter- ing which are both unusual and excellent ; but these bits are commonly so subordinated to the designs in which they are used and so involved with them as to be beyond the scope of the present book. In illustrating the lettering of American artists it has been unfortunately found necessary BY van IASSEL SDTPHEN 102. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE to omit the work of many well-known designers, either because their usual style of lettering is too similar in fund- amental forms to the work of some other draughtsman, or because the letters they com- monly employ are not distinc- tive or individual. Mr. Edwin A. Abbey is a notable example of an artist who has not disdained to expend both time and practice on such a minor art as lettering ANONYMOUS A Journal of Civilization i LW Van*. MOVEMXU 14:1900 103. MODERN AMERICAN COVER EDWARD PENFIELD 98 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS ABCDE FGHIJ KLMN OPQR STUV WXYZ 104. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS EDWARD PENFIELD MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 99 j klmnopq rstuvwxyz 1264567 890 105. MODERN AMERICAN SMALL LETTERS EDWARD PENFIELD 100 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS CfflCKEMNG HALL that he might be able to letter his own designs, as the beautiful page, shown in 153 in the succeeding chapter, will sufficiently prove. The lettering of the title-page for Her- rick's poems, 101, by the same draughtsman, is likewise excellent, being both original and appro- priate. The letters in both these examples are modeled after old work, and both display an unus- ually keen grasp of the limitations and possibili- ties of the forms em- ployed, especially in the former, 153, where the use of capitals to form words is particularly noteworthy, while in general composition and spacing the spirit of the letter used (compare 179) has been perfectly preserved. Mr. Edward Penfield's work first attracted attention through the series of posters which he designed for c Harp- er's Magazine' with unfailing fertility of invention for several years. During this time he evolved a style of letter which exactly fitted the character of his work. The cover design shown in 103 displays his characteristic letter in actual use; while the two interesting pages of large and small letter alphabets by him, 104 and 105, show the latest and best development of these letter forms. The heading 106. MODERN AMERICAN COVER DESIGN H. VAN B. MAGONIGLE MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 101 PROGEAM. -MCMl- ABCDEFG HIJKLMN OPQF3IV WXYZ 107. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS H. VAN B. MAGONIGLE 102 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS VAN-DYCK TITIAN VELASQYEZ HOLBEINYI BOTTICELLI REMBRANDT REYNOLDS MILLET G!2y-BELLINI MVRILLO HALS RAPHAEL V)8. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS B. G. GOODHUE shown in 102 exhibits a slightly different letter, evi- dently based upon that used by Mr. Penfield. The capitals by Mr. H. Van B. Magonigle, shown in 107, are derived from classic Roman forms but treated with a mod- ern freedom that makes them unusually attractive. They appear, however, to*' better advantage in actual use in conjunction with a design, 1 06, than when shown in the necessarily restricted form of an alphabetical page panel. Mr. Bertram G. Goodhue, whose designs for type have already been mentioned, is a tDod<2cTTea<2 fir-* Co HOLIDAY ILLUSTRATED BOOK/S 109. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE WILL BRADLEY 104 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS *6& INTERACTIONAL STVDIO An Illustrated Monthly Ma ga zine of FINE (T&, APPLIED ART 'Edited &> CHARGES HOLME < Publishedb?]QHN LANBTheBodlev-Head at i4*o FifiheAve NewYorks . script ion >C3.3i? post paid most facile and careful let- terer. Although his name is more intimately associated with Blackletter (examples of his work in that style are shown in the following chap- ter), he has devised some very interesting variations of the Roman forms, such as that used in 1 08, as an example. 111. MODERN AMERICAN COVER WILL BRADLEY Mr. Will Bradley uses a very individual style of the Roman capital, often marked by a pecu- liar exaggeration in the width of the round letters, contrasted with narrow tall forms in such letters as E, F and L. Mr. Bradley has become more free and unconventional in his later work, but his specimens have always been noteworthy for beauty of line and spacing; see in. Figure 109 shows his employment of a brush-made variant of the Roman form; CHICKERING L L - OPENING CONCERJ 'TLVenin tit/falf Pas Eight O'clock ("Price /2..00 Admit One to the Balcony 'Balcony , + . CHICKEBJNG H* <& L, L OPENING CONCERT Vr i d ay rE^Ve. n i n^C Tebruarjs 8 ^19 Ol 112. MODERN AMERICAN TICKET A. ]. IORIO MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 105 MAN LETTER ABC D E F G H I J K L M N O P S TV WX&'YZ 113. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS AFTER WILL BRADLEY 106 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS ODES OF PIN D A R LONDON A B C D E F G H I R L M N O P CLR S T V X Y Z 114. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS MAXFIELD PARRISH MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 107 and 1 1 o shows both capitals and small letters drawn in his earlier and less distinctive style. KNICKERBOCKER'S HISTORY OF NEW YORK BY WASHINGTON IRVING 115. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE MAXFIELD PARRISH The ticket, 112, designed by Mr. A. J. lorio, suggests what our theatre tickets might be made. In spacing and BIGELOW. KENNARD AND CO. WILL HOLD, IN THEIR ART ROOMS, MARCH 25 TO APRIL 6 INCLUSIVE. A SPECIAL EXHIBP TION AND SALE OF GRUEBY POTTERY INCLUDING THE COLLECTION SELECTED FOR THE BUFFALO EXPOSITION MDCCCCI 116. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS A. B. LK BOUTILLIER general arrangement of the letters and the freedom of treat- ment, Mr. lorio's work may be compared with much of the 108 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS MODIFIED ITALIAN CAPITALS ABCDEFG H IJ KLMN OPQFSTU VZWXY 117. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS A. B. LB BOUTILLIER MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 109 Lower abcdefi hijklmn opqrstu 118. MODERN AMERICAN SMALL LETTERS A. B. LK BOUTILLIER 110 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS GRUBBY POTTEKY GOLD MEDALS PARIS I90O ST. PETERSBURG 1901 GRUBBY FAIENCE CO.BOSTON MASS 119. MODERN AMERICAN POSTER A. B. LK BOUTILLIER work of Mr. Bradley. Figure 113 shows a modern Roman capital form modeled upon the work of Mr. Bradley. Mr. Maxfield Parrish com- monly employs a widely spaced letter, fashioned closely after the old German models, beau- tiful in its forms, and displaying the individuality of the artist in its composition. The form and use of Mr. Parrish's usual letter is well shown in 114; and the title from a book cover design, 115, shows yet another example of the letter in service. The lettering of Mr. A. B. Libris Le Boutillier is always notable for spacing and composition. Figures 117 and 118 exhibit excellent capital and small- letter forms (which, by the way, were drawn at the same size as the reproductions); and w ERNEST) , INQESSOlll ( WHITE, ^ I 120. AMERICAN BOOK-PLATE CLAUDE KAYETTE BRAGDON MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 111 the two other specimens of Mr. Le Boutillier's work, 116 and 119, which are reproduced to show his letters in use, will be found exemplars for spacing, composition, balance LITERATURE An International GAZETTE of CRITICISM *$& Issued Weekly Price 10 cents a copy ^4.00 ayear 121. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE C. F. BRAGDON of weight and color, and, in the latter drawing, for harmony between the lettering and the treatment of the design. The form of letter preferred by Mr. Claude Fayette Bragdon is represented by the page of small letters, 59, which, as we have already said, are closely modeled on the type alphabet designed by Jenson. In Mr. Bragdon's ver- GRUEBY FAIENCE COMPANY MAKERS OF ENAMELED TERRA COTTA. TILES. GRUEBY POTTERY K AND FIRST ST'S, BOSTON. MASS 122. MODERN AMERICAN LETTER-HEAD C. F. BRAGDON sion they represent an excellently useful and conservative style of small letter. They are shown in use, with harmo- nious capitals and italics, in the c Literature ' cover design, 121. In the small book-plate, reproduced in 120, Mr. 112 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS Bragdon has used a very graceful variant, especially note- worthy for its freedom of serif treatment; and in the letter-heading, 122, he has employed an attractive capital of still different character. Mr. H. L. Bridwell has originated the singu- larly excellent letter shown in 124, which is founded upon some of the modern French architectural forms. He uses it with great free- dom and variety in spacing according to the effect that he desires to produce. In one instance he will jam the letters together in an oddly crowded line, while in another we find them spread far apart, but always with excellent results as regards the design as a whole. Something of this variation of spacing is shown in 123. In the numerous theatrical post- ers which Mr. Bridwell has designed and which too seldom bear his signature he employs a great variety of lettering. Sometimes, of course, the freedom of his work is restricted by the conservatism of clients; but often the letter forms here illustrated add to the style and distinction of his designs. TO ANSWER. CORRECTLY WHAT TIME 123. MODERN AMERICAN COVER H. L. BRIDWELL MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 113 FUENCH FRENCH ABCDEFG H I J KLMNO PQR.STUW VXYZ 154 56769 & l'J4. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS H. L. BRIDWELL 114 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS ROMAN LETTERS ABCDEF GHIJRL MNOPQR STUVZW 125. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS FRANK HAZENPLUG MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 115 ABCD EFCHI JRLM NORQ STUV WXY I.'-,. MOIH.RN AMERICAN CAPITALS FRANK HAZEXPLUG 116 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS iekery a nn. (Si o tfh er g i r 1 .r (& b ojy-xT - e Haw pea It i e Mr. Frank Hazenplug, the author of much clever deco- rative lettering, has evolved a very black and striking style of capital that still retains grace. P'igures 125 and 126 show two sets of Mr. Hazen- plug's capitals. A book cover on which he has used small letters in an original way is reproduced in 127. Figure 129 shows the employment of a heavy-faced letter similar to that exhibited in alphabet 126, but suggestive in its serif treat- ment of Mr. Penfield's letter. Mr. Edward Edwards em- ploys a letter, 128, which, though rather conventional in its lines, is noteworthy for its treatment of serifs and its spacing. Mr. Guernsey Moore's letters shown in 130 are naturally better both in intrinsic form, spacing and composition than the widely used " Post Old Style " types which were based upon them. The large and small letters displayed in 133 show a form that, at the pres- ent writing, seems to be in considerable favor. It is, how- ever, too extreme, and its peculiarities are too exagger- ated to allow it to become a permanent style. But like the extravagant German forms 127. MODERN AMERICAN COVER FRANK HAZENPLUG HARPERS PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE 128. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE EDWARD EDWARDS MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 117 5] A CATALOGUE OF THE THIRD EXHIBITIONOF THE CHICAGO ARTS&CRAFXS SOCIETY already referred to, it has also apparent advantages; and a few of its characteristics are not unlikely to survive in some more conservative adaptation. The letter by Mr. Harry Everett Townsend shown in 1 3 1 is most distinctive in effect a more refined form of the rapidly drawn character shown in 138. Mr. Howard Pyle often gives us charming bits of letter- ing in connection with his illus- trations. The heading, 132, shows a characteristic line. Most of Mr. Pyle's lettering is "Colonial" or Georgian in style, though the initials he uses with it are generally rendered in the fashions of the early German woodcuts, some- what similar to Holbein's init- ials for the " Dance of Death." One of the most original of American letterers is Mr. Or- son Lowell. Usually closely conjoined with design, his let- tering does not show to its full value when reproduced apart from its surroundings, for much of its charm depends 129. MODERN AMERICAN COVER FRANK HAZENPLUG MIDWINTER ROMANCE NUMBER An Illustrated Weekly Magazine Founded A?DJi728 6y Benj. Franklin 130. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE GUERNSEY MOORE 118 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS upon its harmony in line and color with the accompanying drawing Mr. Lowell has taken the same basic forms as those used by Mr. Penfield, and has played with them until INTER1VDLS beneath tho Linens of 5IR, RICHARD LOVELACE/ VJ* POEM calexl " To Luoafta on going- to lKe_^ wars ' "vvKioK sattk : 131. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE HARRY E. TOWNSEND he has developed a series of most ingenious and fanciful letters. The examples reproduced in 136 and 137 but inadequately show a few of the many forms that Mr. Lowell employs with remarkable fertility of invention and delightfully decorative effect of line. The small letters, 135, shown opposite his capitals, 134, are not by Mr. Lowell, Colonies and Nation. AShortHiflory ofthePeopte of r/Jf Unit ed States. 132. MODERN AMERICAN HEADING HOWARD PVLE nor are they in any way equal to his own small letters, of which regrettably few appear in his published work; but they may serve to exhibit a similar method of treating a much more conventional form of minuscule than Mr. MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 119 abcdeftMklm O QJ ABCDEFGH IJKLMNOP ORSTVUW 133 MODF.RX AMERICAN LETTERS F. C. B- 120 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 4. MODERN AMERICAN CAPITALS AFTER ORSON LOWELL MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 121 oo 135. MODERN AMERICAN SMALL LETTERS F. C. B. 122 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS Lowell would himself use for the same purpose. Despite its unconventionally, however, an examination of Mr. Lowell's work will show that each letter has been developed to fit the space between its neighbors and to balance and OF .A2& OHEUC!E 136. MODERN AMERICAN TITLES ORSON LOWELL relieve their forms ; and that, fanciful as some of the shapes may appear, they have invariably been knowingly worked out, and always appear harmonious and fit. The pages of letters shown in 138, 139 and 140 are intended to suggest forms which, while suitable for rapid use, yet possess some individuality and character. The so- called "Cursive" letter by Mr. Maxfield Parrish, 140, is particularly effective for such informal use in fact, its very charm lies in its informality and is quite as distinct- ively u pen-ny" as any of Mr. Crane's work of the same kind. A glance over the field of modern examples will disclose, first, a general tendency to break away from the older type models in pen-drawn forms ; second, a growing partiality for the small letter, and third, a sporadic disposition to use capital and minuscule forms interchangeably. The first MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 123 trend may be noticed by com- paring the letter shown in 132, which is closely modeled after type, with that shown in 136, in which an opposite method is followed, and the letters are so treated in handling form and color as to best harmonize with the design itself. The possibili- ties latent in the small letter are indicated by such interesting uses as those shown in figures 77, 89, 98, 101, in, 1 1 2, 121, 127, 1 30 and 131. American designers seem to be especially interested in the development of the small letter. Of the intermingling of the capital and small letter shapes examples may be found in figures 71, 75, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83, 84, 98, 127 and 134. In these examples it will be noted that the minuscules seem to be more easily transformed into capitals than do the capitals into minuscules; only a few of the latter appearing to lend themselves harmoniously to the small letter guise. Such tendencies as these, if allowed to develop slowly and naturally, are certain to evolve new forms a process of modification which it should be fully as instructive and entertaining to observe as any of the historical changes that have already become incorporated into our present letter shapes. 137. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE ORSON LOWELL 124 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS ARCHITECTURAL LETTELJ** DETAILS iJmall Lett ejxr abcdeig hiiklmnopcfrj'tuvwxyz *J * J ^J Free dnd^et Qdjyic in effect and feelino o ARCDEFGHI JKLMNOPQ, LJTWXWYZ -to be. uure/d in fenel-form 138. MODERN AMERICAN LETTERS, FOR RAPID USE F. C. B. MODERN ROMAN LETTERS 125 AtfALPHABEF r ARCHITECTS rshtvwxuz 1214567 xO/. *~/ ' -/ / Plan- orSecondEoor ii- A5CDEF(7/i!JKLM NOK^TUVWYL A goal alphabet (or lettering plans 139. MODERN AMERICAN ITALIC. FOR PLANS, ETC. C. F. BRAGDON 126 MODERN ROMAN LETTERS A B C D E T C HIJKL^lOP Q B S T U V X Y Z . K linnopcjrst u v w x z . /oc CJmcK lettering en plans, 140. MODERN AMERICAN LETTERS MAXFIELD PARRISH CHAPTER III GOTHIC LETTERS The name " Gothic " applies rather to the spirit than to the exact letter forms of the style. The same spirit of freedom and restlessness characterises the architecture of the period wherein this style of letter was developed; and Gothic letters are in many ways akin to the fundamental forms of Gothic architecture. Their effect is often tiring and confusing to the eye because of the constant recurrence of very similar forms with different letter meanings; yet this very similarity is the main cause of the pleasing aspect of a page of Gothic lettering. Unlike the Roman letters, which attained a complete and final development, Gothic letters never reached author- itative and definitive forms, any more than did Gothic architecture. Every individual Gothic letter has several quasi-authoritative shapes, and all of these variants may be accepted, as long as they display an intelligent conception of the spirit of the style as a whole. Because of this lack of finality, however, it is impossible to analyze each of the letter forms as we were able to do with the Roman alphabet in Chapter I ; yet this very variability and variety constitute at once the peculiar beauty of Gothic and the great difficulty of so drawing it as to preserve its distinctive character. Any letter of Gothic form is usually called either "Gothic" or " Blackletter" indiscriminately, but this use is inexact 128 GOTHIC LETTERS and confusing. The term " Blacldetter " should, strictly, be applied only to letters in which the amount of black in the line overbalances the white; and the proper application of the title should be determined rather by this balance or weight of the letter than by its form. mnopqn ntrorae 141. ITALIAN ROUND GOTHIC SMALL LETTERS 1500 The original Gothic letter was a gradual outgrowth from the round Roman Uncial. Its early forms retained all the roundness of its Uncial parent ; but as the advantages of a condensed form of letter for the saving of space became manifest, (parchment was expensive and bulky) and the GOTHIC LETTERS 129 abcod efgt>tj klmno pqrst 142. ITALIAN ROUND GOTHIC SMALL LETTERS 16th CENTURY 130 GOTHIC LETTERS miiabileeftnom tun mm vn waft 143. SPANISH ROUND GOTHIC LETTERS FRANCISCO LUCAS, 1577 GOTHIC LETTERS 131 beauty of the resulting blacker page was noticed, the round Gothic forms were written closer and narrower, the ascenders . and descenders were shortened, with marked loss of legibilty, that the lines of lettering might be brought closer together, until a form was evolved in which the black overbalanced the white the Blackletter which still survives in the common German text of to-day. Thus, though a Gothic letter may not be a Blackletter, a Blackletter is always Gothic, because it is constructed upon Gothic lines. On the other hand, a Roman Blackletter would be an obvious impossibility. The very essential and fundamental quality of a Roman letter lies in the squareness or circularity of its skeleton form. For clearness and convenience, then, the following discrimination between the terms Gothic and Blackletter will be adopted in this treatise : When a letter is Gothic but not a Blackletter it will be called "Round Gothic"; when it is primarily a Blackletter it will be termed " Black- letter," the latter name being restricted to such compressed, narrow or angular forms as the small letters shown in 144, 147 and 148. The name " Round Gothic" will be applied only to the earlier forms, such as those shown in 141 and 142. Such a distinction has not, I believe, hitherto been attempted; but the confusion which otherwise results makes the discrimination seem advisable. The three pages of examples, figures 141, 142 and 143, exhibit the characteristic forms and standard variations of the Round Gothic. In lieu of any detailed analysis of these letter shapes, it may perhaps be sufficient to say that they were wholly and exactly determined by ttye position of the quill, which was held rigidly upright, after the fashion 132 GOTHIC LETTERS already described in speaking of Roman lettering; and that the letters were always formed with a round swinging motion of hand and arm, as their forms and accented lines clearly evidence ; for the medieval scribes used the Round Gothic as an easy and legible handwritten form, and linked many of the letters. Figures 158, 170, 172 and 173 show some capitals adapted for use with these Round Gothic letters; but the beginner should be extremely wary of attempting to use any Gothic capitals alone to form words, as their outlines are not suited for inter-juxtaposition. Occasionally they may thus be used, and used effectively, as is shown, for instance, in the beautiful page of lettering by Mr. Edwin A. Abbey, 153; but so successful a solution is rare, and implies an intimate knowledge of the historic examples and use of Gothic lettering. The late Gothic or Blackletter is condensed and nar- rowed in the extreme. No circles are employed in the construction of the small letters, which have angular and generally acute corners. As in all pen-drawn letters, the broad lines are made on the down right-sloping strokes, and the narrow lines are at right angles to these. Black- letter shapes, like those of the Round Gothic, cannot, as has been said, be defined by any set of general rules ; the intrinsic quality of all Gothic letters almost demands a certain freedom of treatment that would transgress any laws that could be formulated. Indeed the individual forms should always be subservient to the effect of the line or page. Observe in almost every example shown how the form of the same letter constantly varies in some minor detail. The drawing by Albrecht Diirer, reproduced in 144, will, GOTHIC LETTERS 133 Oi ooo r oooo PS V O O 7 ft) - 144. GERMAN BLACKLETTER CONSTRUCTION ALBRECHT DURER 134 GOTHIC LETTERS however, serve to show the construction of an excellent Blackletter, which may fairly be considered as typical. The first essential of a good Blackletter line or page is that it shall be of a uniform color. Unlike the Roman, the Blackletter form does not permit that one word be wider spaced than others in the same panel. The amount of white left between the several letters should be as nearly as M5. GERMAN BLACKLETTERS FROM MANUSCRIPTS possible the same throughout, approximately the same as the space between the perpendicular strokes of the minuscule letters themselves. Usually, the less the white space the better will be the general effect of the page, for its beauty depends much upon a general blackness of aspect; and let it be noted in passing that, for this reason, it is doubly difficult to judge of the final effect of a Blackletter page from any outlined pencil sketch. Even in the cases of those capital letters that extend both above and below the guide lines it will be found possible to so adjust the spaces GOTHIC LETTERS 135 and blacks as not to interrupt the general uniformity of coloi, and it is sometimes advisable to fill awkward blanks by flourishes ; although flourishing, even in Blackletter, is an amusement that should be indulged in cautiously. As a general rule the more solidly black a panel of Black- letter is the better (a principle too often disregarded in the modern use of the form); though on the other hand, mnopqnfstu 14C. GERMAN BLACKLETTERS WITH ROUNDED ANGLES the less legible the individual letters will become. The designer should therefore endeavor to steer a middle course, making his panel as black as he can without rendering the individual letters illegible. No style permits more of liberty in the treatment of its separate letter forms than the Blackletter. The same letter may require a different outline at the beginning of a word than in the middle or at the end. The ascenders and descenders may be drawn so short as hardly to transcend the guide lines of the minuscules, or may grow into flour- 130 GOTHIC LETTERS ishes up and down, to the right or to the left, to fill awkward blanks. Indeed so variable are these forms that in ancient examples it is often difficult to recognize an individual letter apart from its context. The two pages drawn by Mr. Goodhue, 188 and 189, deserve careful study as examples of modern use of the Blackletter. It will be observed that almost as many vari- ants of each letter are employed as the number used would permit, thus giving the panel variety and preventing any appearance of monotony or rigidity. Notice the freedom and variety of the swash lines in the capitals, and yet that each version is quite as graceful, logical and original as any of its variants. The examples of old lettering reproduced in figures 147, 148 and 149, together with the drawings by Mr. Goodhue, will indicate the proper spacing of Blackletter; but in most of the pages here devoted to illustrating the individual forms the letters have been spaced too wide for their proper effect that each separate shape might be shown distinctly. The style appears at its best in compositions which fill a panel of more or less geometrical form, as, for example, the beautiful title-page reproduced in 147. Could anything be more delightful to the eye than its rich blackness, energetic lines, and refreshing virility ? In this design surely we have a specimen that, from the proportion and balance of its blacks, is more effective than anything which could have been accomplished by the use of the more rigid Roman letter; but despite its many beauties it suffers from the inherent weakness of the individual letter forms, it is more effective than readable ! Another excellent example of the old use of Blackletter is the page from the prayerbook of the Emperor Maximilian, GOTHIC LETTERS 137 147. ITALIAN BLACKLETTER TITLE-PAGE JACOPUS FORESTI, 1497 138 GOTHIC LETTERS shown in 148, in which observe again the variety of the individual letter forms. Figure 149 shows the use of a Blackletter on an admirable monumental brass, which is tw:ct qtia(t plautimo rofc m fiau amamontunt ct -- " - ' ... '. " !!.. mum 148. GERMAN BLACKLETTER PAGE ALBRECHT DURER, 1515 reputed to have been designed by Albrecht Diirer. A similar Blackletter form, also from a brass, is shown at larger scale in 186. GOTHIC LETTERS 139 Any of the min- uscule forms of Blackletter which have been illus- trated may be used with the Gothic capitals of figures 164-5, 1 66, 177, 179, 185, 188-9; or with such Un- cial capitals as are illustrated in 155 to 162; care being taken, of course, that these capitals are made to agree in style and weight with the small let- ters chosen. Al- though Uncial capitals are histor- ically more close- ly allied with the Round Gothic, we have abundant precedent for their use with the min- uscule Blackletter in many of the best medieval specimens. When the Gothic Uncial capitals were cut in stone and marble there was naturally a corresponding change in char- acter, as is shown in the Italian examples illustrated in 160 140. GERMAN MEMORIAL BRASS MEISSEN, 1510 140 GOTHIC LETTERS and 161. These examples, which are reproduced from rubbings, exhibit the characteristic stone cut forms very clearly. A Gothic Uncial alphabet redrawn from a Ger- man brass is illustrated in 162. The group of specimens from 154 to 159 exhibit the chronological growth of the Uncial capitals, which were used, as has been said, with the various small Blackletter forms, though they were also used alone to form words, as is shown in 160. The historical progression in these Uncial examples is most interesting; and, allowing for the variations of national temperament, traces itself connectedly enough. Figures 154 to 159 are pen forms, while 160 to 163 are from stone or metal-cut letters. Figures 164 to 166 show alphabets of Gothic pen-drawn capitals that will serve as a basis for such adaptations as are shown in the modern examples 152 and 153. Figures 167 to 169 show a more elaborate but an excellent and typical variety of this form of capital, which is one of the most beautiful and distinctive of Gothic letters. Shorn of its fussy small lines the main skeleton is eminently virile; and, though extremely difficult to draw, it cannot be surpassed for certain limited uses. Figures 170 to 173 exhibit a group of Gothic capitals more or less allied in character and all pen letters. Figures 174 to 176 show forms similar to those of the previous group, but adapted for use in various materials. Figures 177 to 179 show some English Gothic letters, the last being that employed so effectively in the pen-drawn page by Mr. Abbey, 153. Figures 180 to 184 illustrate various forms of Blackletter: 180 is from a German brass, 182 illustrates an Italian pen form, and 183 and 184 show GOTHIC LETTERS 141 Blackletters drawn oy Albrecht Diirer, the latter being the sim- plest and strongest variant in this style. It is the same let- ter that is employed to show Blackletter construction in diagram 144. Figure 185 shows the well-known and unusually beautiful initials designed by Diirer. Figure 1 86 is a Blackletter from an English brass, although the letter forms in this example, as well as those of many other English brasses, may perhaps have been derived from Flan- ders, as many of the finest early Continental brasses were im- ported from the Netherlands. The Italian forms of Gothic Blackletters are generally too fussy and finikin to be of practical value for modern use, though they often possess suggestive value. The letters shown in 182 are fairly typical of the characteristic Blackletter minuscules of Italy. Figure 187 exhibits an example of beautiful lettering in the Italian style, redrawn from a rubbing of an inlaid floor-slab in Santa Croce, Florence. The omission of capitals in long, confined lines is typical of many Blackletter inscriptions, as may be seen in 149, as well as in the plate just mentioned. In view of the number of fine specimens of Blackletter which have been handed down to us, it has been deemed 150. MODERN AMERICAN COVER IN BLACKLETTER B. G. GOODHUE 142 GOTHIC LETTERS unnecessary to reproduce many examples of its employment by modern draughtsmen. The pages by Mr. Goodhue, 188-9, nave already been referred to; and figure 150 151. MODERN GERMAN BLACKLETTER WALTER PUTTNER shows a very consistent and representative use of similar letter forms by the same designer. Figures 190 and 191 illustrate two modern varieties of Blackletter, one very npwrni ptei Munirrn 152. MODERN GERMAN BLACKLETTER OTTO HUPP simple and the other very ornate. The small cuts, 151 and 152, show excellent modern Blackletters ; the first, of unusually narrow form, being by Herr Walter Puttner, and the second, with its flourished initials, by Herr Otto Hupp. GOTHIC LETTERS 143 153. MODERN BLACKLETTER EDWIN A. ABBEY GOTHIC LETTERS 154. UNCIAL GOTHIC INITIALS 12th CENTURY. F. C. B. GOTHIC LETTERS 145 B CD6( n 15.-,. UNCIAL GOTHIC INITIALS "13th CENTURY. F. C. B. 146 GOTHIC LETTERS 71*3 CD ( 156. UNCIAL GOTHIC CAPITALS 14th CENTURY. F. C. B. GOTHIC LETTERS 147 1.". UNCIAL GOTHIC CAPITALS 14th CENTURY. F. C. B. 148 GOTHIC LETTERS CO OPQB STCJV IUXYZ 158. ITALIAN UNCIAL GOTHIC CAPITALS 14th CKNTURY. F. C. B. GOTHIC LETTERS 149 BGO(O aeon QOQQ neoa 159. SPANISH UNCIAL GOTHIC CAPITALS JUAN DB YCIAR, 1550 GOTHIC LETTERS 151 MJKMWO 161. VENETIAN GOTHIC CAPITALS 16th CENTURY. F. C. B. 152 GOTHIC LETTERS JIBCD ttdffiOP OJRSW 162. GERMAN UNCIAL CAPITALS, FROM A BRASS 14th CfXTURY GOTHIC LETTERS 153 J lAit \JL 163. FRENCH AND SPANISH UNCIAL CAPITALS 14th CENTURY 154 GOTHIC LETTERS 164. ITALIAN GOTHIC INITIALS G. A. TAGLIENTE. 16th CENTURY GOTHIC LETTERS 155 mi. ITALIAN* GOTHIC INITIALS G. A. TAGLIENTE, 16th CENTURY 156 GOTHIC LETTERS ICC. ITALIAN GOTHIC INITIALS GIOV. PALATINO, ICth CENTURY 160 GOTHIC LETTERS H5QPQ 170. ITALIAN GOTHIC CAPITALS 16th CENTURY ^ GOTHIC LETTERS 161 a 171. ENGLISH GOTHIC CAPITALS 16th CENTURY 162 GOTHIC LETTERS 172. ITALIAN GOTHIC CAPITALS 17th CENTURY GOTHIC LETTERS 163 173. GERMAN GOTHIC CAPITALS 17th CENTURY 164 GOTHIC LETTERS 174. GERMAN GOTHIC CAPITALS FROM MANUSCRIPTS GOTHIC LETTERS 165 175. GERMAN GOTHIC CAPITALS FROM MANUSCRIPTS 166 GOTHIC LETTERS 176. GERMAN GOTHIC CAPITALS FROM MANUSCRIPTS GOTHIC LETTERS 167 " letter 177. ENGLISH GOTHIC TEXT LETTERS FROM MANUSCRIPTS 168 GOTHIC LETTERS IJKI/ffillOF 178. ENGLISH GOTHIC LETTERS 15th CENTURY. F. C. B. GOTHIC LETTERS 169 179. ENGLISH GOTHIC LETTERS 15th CENTURY. F.C.R 170 GOTHIC LETTERS 180. GERMAN BLACKLETTERS FROM A BRASS F. C. B. GOTHIC LETTERS 171 rauwmp 181. GERMAN BLACKLETTERS 16th CENTURY. F.C.B. 172 GOTHIC LETTERS mmiutflDi v-; -k & 182. ITALIAN BLACKLKTTERS G. A. TAGLIENTE, 16th CENTURY GOTHIC LETTERS 173 183. GFRMAN BLACKLETTERS ALBRF.CHT DURER 16th CENTURY 174 GOTHIC LETTERS Oarr r a brOffjrtiijk GERMAN BLACKLETTERS ALBRECHT DURER, 16th CENTURY GOTHIC LETTERS 175 185. GERMAN GOTHIC CAPITALS ALBRECHT DURER, 16th CENTURY 176 GOTHIC LETTERS a DPfSttUfel timopacs WtJlBJPU? 186. ENGLISH GOTHIC BLACKLETTERS 15th CENTURY. F.C. B. GOTHIC LETTERS 177 tiniHtaiian awriwui MmnnwiJt- 187. ITALIAN INLAID BLACKLETTERS FROM A RUBBING. F.C. B, 178 GOTHIC LETTERS 188. MODERN AMERICAN BLACKLETTERS B. G. GOODHUE GOTHIC LETTERS 179 teaujE-sfflTe 189. MODERN AMERICAN BLACKLETTERS B. G. GOODHUE 180 GOTHIC LETTERS tffffr::a6ro ppuuixp 1Z:1Z3 7456*3 lf)0. MODERN GERMAN BLACKLETTERS AFTER JULIUS DIEZ GOTHIC LETTERS 181 I'.il. MODERN GERMAN BLACKLKTTERS, FLOURISHED F. C. B CHAPTER IV ITALIC AND SCRIPT The regrettable modern neglect of those free and very interesting forms of the Roman letter, Italic and Script, seem to authorize consideration of them in a separate chapter, even at the risk of appearing to give them undue importance. The first Italic type letter was derived, it is said, from the handwriting of Petrarch, and several admirable examples of the style, variously treated, have come down to us. As far as construction goes Italic is, theoretically, only the exact Roman form sloped, and with such changes as are necessitated by the sloping of the letters. Practically, how- ever, it will be found that certain alterations in the outlines of the Roman letters must be made after giving them a slope in order to adapt them to their new requirements of inter- juxtaposition ; and, by a reflex action, when words in Italic capitals are used in the same panel with upright Roman letters, certain variations must be made in the latter, such as accenting the Roman O in the same fashion as the Italic O is accented, an altered treatment of serifs, and other changes in detail. The Script form of letter was developed out of the running or writing hand, and still retains a cursive tendency in the linking together of its letters ; although in some forms it so closely approximates to Italic as to be almost ITALIC AND SCRIPT 183 indistinguishable from it. Script lettering came into its greatest vogue during the Georgian period in England and at the same time in France; and was extensively employed, usually in conjunction with the upright Roman, in carved panels of stone or wood, and in engraving. The Script ILIW'lf JnlAJL 192. GERMAN ITALIC GOTTLIEB MUNCH, 1744 forms are well worthy of the attention of modern designers since they offer unusual opportunities for freedom and individuality of treatment; and because of this vitality and adaptility to modern uses the present chapter will be devoted largely to the illustration of Script examples. The old Spanish and Italian writing-books (referred to in a previous chapter), which in a measure took the place filled so much less artistically to-day by our modern school copy- books, contain many specimens of beautiful Script, both capitals and small letters. Figures 193 to 196 show pages from such books published in Spain. 184 ITALIC AND SCRIPT iiiimiiililtitllltMlltllllllTrtm - f f f f i^/ f + 4 -f / / 44 u tin a i nn 1 1 mi i in/mi mrn 193. SPANISH SCRIPT TORQUATO TORIO, 1802 ITALIC AND SCRIPT 185 encore tamt duoii aut sonpcre tio run conaiicru} et cointm on 194. SPANISH SCRIPTS TORQUATO TORIO. 1802 186 ITALIC AND SCRIPT Qmrotedominafancta Mam matvr Davietate pbnipima, fummi mis fi i J J. Z) ^ (id, tor orpba/norum, con fold * i r no dcfolatorum,vid crratv r ucas wefcmtm&n Jbcx 195. SPANISH SCRIPT FRANCISCO LUCAS, 1577 ITALIC AND SCRIPT 187 I JC/ Oseno: con Summaomouon.con abiasaoo amen, con roao rmafeao te cs$coyorcce6u:como rnuuos Saarosvoeuotas pcisonas rcocssca ion en la comunion:que o * ion mui mucno cnla *vioa y uiuiaon 7)euocion cvioentissi ma. Oaios CD i/scx. : 196. SPANISH CURSIVE FRANCISCO LUCAS, 157 188 ITALIC AND SCRIPT /") TJTS A N^Tl* 1 * ^ sim P^ e tv P e f Spanish capital Script letter is shown lOnyJlOpe m 20I > while a corresponding *^' small letter, redrawn from a Spanish source, is illustrated * ~. 1 i ~~7/~jj m 2O2. It should be noted in fefc, Ofter JfcAfe* the Jatter figure that the three lower lines are further removed 197. MODERN AMERICAN TITLES CLAUDE FAYETTE BRAGDON from the ordinary writing hand and are more interesting than the letters in the three upper lines. The French artists and engravers were, as has been said, among the first to appreciate the qualities of Script, and used it in many of their engraved title-pages, especially during the reigns of Louis xv. and xvi. Figure 199 shows a set of French Script capitals of the time of Louis xv., highly flourished but more formal than those shown in 201. A form of Script very nearly allied to the Italic was frequently used for the lettering on headstones and wall tombs in the churches and churchyards of England. Figure 203, in which the lettering is taken from a tomb in West- minster Abbey, illustrates this style of Script. A set of Script small letters with some unusual character- istics, adapted by Hrachowina from the German Renaissance form shown in outline in 192, is exhibited as a solid letter in 198. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE figure 2OO. GEORGE WHARTON EDWARDS ITALIC AND SCRIPT 189 C/5 199. FRENCH SCRIPT CAPITALS 18th CENTURY. F.C. B. 190 ITALIC AND SCRIPT ff opqr/stiw 200. GERMAN SCRIPT AFTER HRACHOWINA 18th CENTURY ITALIC AND SCRIPT 191 201. SPANISH SCRIPT CAPITALS EARLY 13th CENTURY. F. C. B 192 ITALIC AND SCRIPT 202. SPANISH SCRIPT ALPHABETS LATE 17th CENTURY. F. C. B. ITALIC AND SCRIPT 193 afcdefqnij pr (L/C/ J r klmnopar/ J. ENGLISH INCISED SCRIPT FROM INSCRIPTIONS. F. C. B. 194 ITALIC AND SCRIPT Among modern American designers, Mr. Bruce Rogers has admirably succeeded in catching the French and Georgian spirit in his treatment of the Script characters ; yet, nevertheless, his lettering in this style is still modern in feeling. In the title from a book cover, 204, Mr. Rogers has allowed himself just the proper amount of interlace- ment and flourishing both of which require the restraint of a subtle taste or the result may prove to be over-elaborate. The page of lettering by the same designer, shown in 205, is a successful solution of a difficult 204. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE . . BRUCE ROGERS problem, and, together with the book cover, will serve to exhibit the possibilities of this style of Script. Mr. George Wharton Edwards is another modern designer who has a penchant for the Script form. He uses one distinctive and personal style of it in which the larger letters are formed by two black lines separated by a narrow white space, as exhibited in 198. The lines from an advertisement, 197, by Mr. Claude Fayette Bragdon, in which Script, Italic and Roman letters are combined, are of especial interest from the easy man- ner in which the three different styles have been adapted to each other and made to harmonize in one small panel, @/ximeC mt/wrne ITALIC AND SCRIPT 195 s xv s time*. 205. MODERN AMKR1CAX SCRIPT PRUCE ROGERS 196 ITALIC AND SCRIPT 206. MODERN AMERICAN SCRIPT AFTER FRANK HAZEXPLUG ITALIC AND SCRIPT 197 ITALIC LEffEKS RSfUVWXY WJfIZS 207. MODERN AMERICAN ITALIC CAPITALS F.C. B. 198 ITALIC AND SCRIPT while still preserving an appropriate Georgian aspect. The interlacement and flourishing, too, are handled with commendable restraint. 208. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE ANONYMOUS Few modern artists have so successfully treated Italic capitals with Script freedom as Mr. Will Bradley. Some- times employing forms of Italic capitals and small letters little removed from type, he will again give us an example of his handiwork in which Italic is used with examplary freedom, as is shown in the specimen from a book cata- logue, 109. The modern trick of wide spacing often lends itself aptly to the swing and freedom of the swashed and flourished lines of Script, as may be seen in figure 207. 209. MODERN AMERICAN TITLE EDWARD PENFIELD An excellent modern Script letter, adapted from a design by Mr. Frank Hazenplug, is shown in 206. Its heavy face and originality of form make it a useful and pleasing variant. The magazine heading, by an anonymous designer, 208, and the line from the pen of Mr. Edward Penfield, 209, suggest still other useful varieties of the Script form. CHAPTER V TO THE BEGINNER The beginner in any art or craft is likely to have an undue respect for the mere instruments of his trade. He will eventually learn that tools play a much less important part in his work than he at first thinks ; but, as it is unlikely that any sudden change in human nature will occur, it seems as well to devote here some consideration to the tools which the student will always believe to be an impor- tant part of his equipment. He will ultimately ascertain for himself what is best adapted to his own individual needs. Though every draughtsman will recommend a pen that he has discovered to be especially suitable for his own use, few will be found to agree. Perhaps it is safe to say, however, that the best all-round pen for lettering is the Gillot No. 303. It is not too sharp, and when broken in is flexible and easy. The crowquill pen will be found of little use. It is an advantage to have at hand a large coarse pen of little flexibility and smooth point for drawing heavy lines of even width. In using water-color in place of ink such a pen will be found more satisfactory than the Gillot 303, as the thinness of the fluid causes the line to spread whenever pressure is applied to a limber and finely pointed pen, with the result that the line is not only broadened, but when dry shows darker than was intended, as more color is deposited than in a narrow line. When a 200 TO THE BEGINNER narrow line of even width and sharpness is desired it is best to use a new penj an older pen will, on the other hand, allow of more ease in swelling and broadening the line under pressure. A thin dry line may be obtained by turning the pen over and drawing with the back of the nib, although if the pen so used be worn it is apt to have a "burr" over the point that may prevent its working satis- factorily in this way. A new hard pen is likely to be the cause of a "niggling" line; a too limber one of a careless or undesirably broad line. On rare occasions, and for obtaining certain effects, a stub pen may be found of value, but it cannot be recommended to the beginner, as it is very difficult to find one that has sufficient flexibility of nib. Quill pens are undoubtedly useful in drawing a few types of letters (see some of the designs by Mr. Walter Crane shown in previous pages, for examples) but, not to allude to the difficulty of properly pointing a quill, which seems to be a well-nigh lost art nowadays, the instrument possesses so many annoying peculiarities that it is as well to avoid its use until a satisfactory command over the more dependable steel pens has been obtained. A pencil is, of course, a necessity in laying out the first scheme for lettering. The softer the pencil the more felic- itous will the composition seem ; but the beginner should guard against being too easily pleased with the effect thus obtained, as it is often due to the deceptive indefiniteness of line and pleasant gray tone. When inked-in, in uncom- promising black against the white paper, the draughtsman is apt to find that his sketch has developed many an imper- fection, both in composition and in individual letter shapes, that the vague pencil lines did not reveal. TO THE BEGINNER 201 As to paper, Bristol-board has the best smooth surface for lettering. The English board is in some ways better than the American, but has the disadvantage of being made in smaller sheets. The difficulty with any smooth board is that erasures, even of pencil lines, are likely to spoil its surface. The rough " Strathmore " American board has a very grateful surface upon which the pen may be used with almost as much freedom as the pencil. All rough surfaces, however, while tending to promote interesting lines, are not suited for careful lettering, and the classic and Italian forms especially require to be drawn upon the smoothest possible surface. The American " Strathmore " board may also be obtained in smooth finish; and, indeed, is less injured by erasures than most Bristol-boards. The prepared India or carbon inks such as " Higgin's " or " Carter's " are best for the beginner ; although all prepared inks have a tendency to get muddy if allowed to stand open, and the so-called "waterproof" inks are easily smudged. In devising a panel of lettering, such as a title-page for example, the draughtsman's first step would naturally be to sketch out the whole design at a very small size, say an inch and a half high, in pencil. This small sketch should determine, first, the general balance of the page; second, the inter-relations and spacings of the various lines and words and their relative importance and sizes. From this thumb-nail sketch the design should be drawn out at full size in pencil, and much more carefully. In this redrawing the separate letter shapes and their harmonious relations to each other should be determined, and such deviations made from the smaller sketch as seem to benefit the effect. 202 TO THE BEGINNER Some draughtsmen sketch out each line of lettering sepa- rately on thin paper, and then, after blackening the back of this sheet, lay each line over the place where it is needed in the design, tracing the outlines of the letters with a hard point, and thus transferring them to the design beneath. In this way a page of lettering may be studied out line by line, and accurately placed or centered ; but the process is tedious, and there is always danger of losing sight of the effect as a whole. In outlining letters which are ultimately intended to be solidly blacked-in, the beginner should guard against making his outlines too wide, especially as regards the thin lines, for the eye in judging an outline sketch follows the insides of the bounding lines rather than the outsides which will really be the outlines of the blacked-in letter, so that when finished the letter is likely to look heavier and more clumsy than in the sketch. When the entire pencil scheme seems satisfactory in every detail, and each line has been exactly determined, the whole should be carefully inked-in. In inking-in letters the swing of the arm should be as free and unobstructed as possible. For the best result it is absolutely necessary to work at a wide board on a solid table of convenient height and angle. It is impossible to letter well in a cramped or unsteady position. One thing cannot be too strongly urged upon the beginner. Never use a T-square, triangle or ruling pen in inking-in lettering. It will be found ulti- mately much easier to train hand and eye to make a straight and true line free-hand than to attempt to satisfactorily combine a ruled and free-hand line. The free-hand method is, be it acknowledged, both more lengthy and TO THE BEGINNER 203 difficult at first, but when the draughtsman does finally gain a mastery over his line he has achieved something which he will find of the greatest value. In a drawing to be reproduced by mechanical processes, the proportions of the design are, of course, unalterably determined by the required panel or page ; but the size of the drawing may be such as best suits the inclination and convenience of the draughtsman. If the drawing is to be reduced in size (and that is the usual method, because, in general, it is easier to draw large rather than small), the draughtsman must first decide on the amount of reduction to which his style of rendering and the subject itself are best adapted, remembering, however, that a drawing is sure to suffer from excessive reduction, not only in general effect but in interest, for the quality of the line is sure in a measure to disappear. A reduction of height or width by one-third is the usual amount; but many of our modern designers obtain their best effects by making their drawings but a trifle larger than the required reproduction. Some even make their drawings of the same size; others only from a twelfth to a sixth larger. As a rule, the less the reduction the less the departure from the effect of the original, and the more certainly satisfactory the result, although more careful drawing and greater exactness of line are necessary. To keep the outlines of a panel in the same proportion while enlarging its area for the purpose of making a draw- ing for reproduction, lay out the required finished size of the panel near the upper left hand corner of the paper, and draw a diagonal line through the upper left hand and lower right hand corner of this panel, extending it beyond the panel 204 TO THE BEGINNER x i 210. DIAGRAM TO SHOW METHOD OF ENLARGING A PANEL boundaries. From any given point along this diagonal, lines drawn parallel to the side and top lines of the original panel, and extended till they intersect the extended left side line and top line of the original panel, will give an outline of the same proportions as the required panel. By taking various points on the diagonal, panels of any height or width but still of the proper proportions may be obtained (see diagram 210). Diagram 211 illustrates a vari- ation of the previous method of enlarging the proportions of a panel, in which, by the use of two diagonals, both perpendicular and horizontal center lines are retained. When it is necessary to lay out a border of a predeter- mined width within the required panel, the foregoing method can only, be used to determine the outside lines of such a border, and it becomes necessary to make the drawing some numerical proportion, say, one-half as large again, or twice as large as the finished panel. The width of the border will then be of the same proportionate width. The beginner will find it always wise to base his lettering on penciled top and bottom guide lines, and occasionally to add "waist" guide lines, as in 193. Indeed, it is rare that even accomplished letterers dispense with these simple aids These guide lines should invariably be laid-in with the TO THE BEGINNER 205 211. DIAGRAM TO SHOW METHOD OF ENLARGING A PANEL T-square and triangle. After drawing the horizontal guides, it is often advisable to run a few perpendicular lines up and down the paper, which will serve to guard against the very common likelihood of the letters acquiring a tilt. In drawing Italic, Script, and all sloping letters, numerous slop- ing guide lines are especially necessary; see 193. Perpen- dicular guide lines will be found of marked assistance, also in drawing Gothic small letters, which, as they do not come against the top and bottom guide lines squarely, but at an angle, are often deceptive. If it is desirable to make two lines of lettering of the same length, although they contain an unequal number of letters, this may be effected provided, of course, that the number of letters does not vary too greatly by broaden- ing or narrowing the letters that occur in one line but not in the other, and by varying the spacings about the I's and the open letters. Note, for example, the spacing of the upper lines in the poster by Mr. Crane, 87. It is by no means essential to draw the same letter always exactly alike even in the same line; in fact, variation is generally demanded by the different surroundings and neighboring letters. So long as the general character of the letter remains unchanged in its distinctive features, such as weight, 206 TO THE BEGINNER treatment of serifs, angles, height of waist and cross lines, etc., its width and outlines may be varied and arranged to help out the spacing without interfering, to any noticeable extent, with the uniform appearance of the line. In Roman lettering emphasis may be obtained for any special word by spacing its letters farther apart. This has something of the same emphasizing effect as the use of Italic, without so greatly breaking the harmony of the line. Much of the lettering of the Italian Renaissance shows a very subtle appreciation of this use, and in some of the most beautiful inscriptions the important words are often so differentiated, while others are emphasized by slightly larger characters. As a general rule, and within certain limits, the wider a letter the more legible it is likely to be. Blackness and boldness of stem alone will not make a letter readable. Width, boldness of hair lines and serifs, and a proper amount of surrounding white space are more essential. The Roman letter is more legible than the Blackletter mainly because it is black against a roomy white ground ; while Blackletter, on the contrary, is really defined by small interrupted areas of whites upon a black ground. A common limitation of many draughtsmen is that they become accomplished in the rendering of but one style of letter, and find themselves obliged to use it on all occa- sions, whether it be suited to the work in hand or not, because they can command no other. In the case of certain designers, of course, the individuality of their work is strong enough to bind both lettering and design so closely together that they can never seem at dissonance ; but, speaking generally, the adherance to the use of but 207 one type of letter can be but narrowing. The beginner is urged, therefore, to practice the use of many styles, even at the expense of gaining an immediate mastery over no one form. He will find himself amply repaid in the end by the increase in freedom and variety. While the student should possess enough knowledge of the historic styles and examples of lettering to prevent him from using incongruous or anachronous forms in the same design, historic accuracy need not prevent him from engrafting the characteristics of dissimilar styles upon one another, provided that the results prove harmonious and appropriate. Finally, the draughtsman's first aim should be to make his lettering readable : after this has been accomplished he should strive to give it beauty. Art in lettering is only to be attained by solving the problem of legibility in the way most pleasing to the eye. Good lettering should appeal both to the eye and to the mind. Only when it combines legibility with beauty can it be excellent. INDEX A., 6, 9. Abbey, Edwin A., 97, 132, 140. . Accenting, of Blackletters, 132; of Roman Capitals, 2 ; of Minuscules, 56; of Round Gothic, 132; of Italic and Script, 182. American Lettering, Modern Roman, 53, 64, 75, 82, 97; Classic Roman, 3,14; Gothic, 132, 136, 140, 142; Italic, 194, 198; Script, 194, 198. Anglo-Saxon Letters, 46, 47 ; modern use of, 46. Ascenders, height above body, 57; in "Cheltenham Old Style ' ' type, 7 1 ; in Gothic, 131; in Blackletters, 135. Ashbee, C. R., 74. Auriol, George, 88. B., 6. Badia, Florence, lettering from, 45- Bell, Robert Anning, 96. Blacked-in letters, 202. Blackletters, 127,131,132,140, 141, 142; accents of, 132; ascenders and descenders of, 135; capitals for use with, 134, 136, 139; a condensed form of Gothic, 128; construc- tion of, 132, 141; definition of, 128, 131; effect of page of, 132; with Roman letters, 72 ; even color of, 134; flour- ishes, 135; individual letter forms, 132, 136; illegibility of, 135, 136, 206; a part- Roman form, 84 ; a narrow form, 132; old examples of, 136; in panel forms, 136; used solidly, 134, 135; spac- ing of, 134, 136; variety of, 82, 132, 135, 136. Bonnard, Pierre, 91, 92. Border, to lay out a, 204. Boston Public Library, 14. Bragdon, Claude Fayette, 64, in, 194. Brasses, Blackletters from, 138, 140. Bridwell, H. L., 8, 112. Bristol-board, 201. Byzantine influence on Italian lettering, 45. Co . , o. Capitals, used with Roman min- uscules, 57; with Round Gothic, 132; with Blacklet- ters, 136, 139; (see also under Blackletter, Roman, Gothic, Italic, Modern Roman Capitals, Script, Round Gothic, Uncial). "Caroline" Text, 52. 210 INDEX Caslon, William, 64; his type, 69. Centering lines of lettering, 202. Charlemagne, 52. "Cheltenham Old Style" type, ?> Cheltenham Press, The, 7 1 . Chisel-cut guide lines, 3. Classic Capitals, see Roman Capitals. Classic forms of letters, to draw, 3, 6, 20 1 ; composition of, 6 ; Italian Renaissance, 15, 27, 3- "Colonial" lettering, 117. Constantine, Arch of, lettering from, I I. Construction, of Blackletters, 132; of Roman Capitals, 3, 6 ; of Roman Minuscules, 53, 56. Craig, Gordon, 95, 96. Crane, Walter, 47,92,200, 205. Cross-bar in Roman Capitals, 6. "Cursive" Letters, 91, 122. Cursive tendency in Script let- tering, 182. D., 8. ' Dance of Death,' Holbein's, 117. Day, Lewis F., 93. Descenders, (see Ascenders). De Vinne, Theo. L., 69. Dove's Press, The, 69. Drawing of letters, 201, 202, 205; for reproduction, 203, 204. Diirer, Albrecht, 31, 132, 138, 141. E., 6, 104. Early Gothic, (see Round Gothic). Early Printing, 52, 64, 71. Edwards, Edward B., 116. Edwards, George Wharton, 194. Emphasis in lettering, placing of, 206 (see also Accenting). English Brasses derived from Flanders, 141. English Gothic, 140, 141. English lettering, modern, 75, 82, 92. English, Letters, 47 ; Script, 1 8 8, (see also Anglo-Saxon). Engraved Title-pages, French, 1 88. Enlarging Drawings, 203, 204. F., 6, 104. f., 56. Fell, H. Granville, 96. Flanders, Brasses from, 141. Flourishing, of Blackletters, 135; of Script, 194, 198. Free-hand lines, 202. French, modern lettering, 74, 82, 86; Script, 188, 194. Freedom, in lettering, 53, 74, 82, 92, 102, 1 1 8, 122, 201; in Blackletters, 136; in Goth- ic, 127; in Italic, 198; in kerns, serifs and swash-lines, etc., 53 ; in Roman letters, 82 ; in Script, 183. G., 8. g-> 57- Georgian English lettering, 117, 183, 194, 198. INDEX 211 German lettering, modern, 74, 82, 84, 92 ; early, 1 10, 1 17; Script, 52, 1 88; types, 52. Goodhue, Bertram Grosvenor, 71, 102, 136, 142. Gothic Capitals, for use with Blackletters, 139; pen drawn, 1 40 ; not to be used to form words, 132. Gothic, English, (see English Gothic ) . Gothic lettering, I 27, 131, 134, 205 ; cut in stone, 140; (see also Blackletters and Uncial). Granite, letters cut in, 11, 14, (see also Stone-cut, V-sunk and Incised). Grasset, Eugene, 86. Greek type, 73. Grolier Club, 69. Guide-lines, 3, 204. H., 6. -Half-Uncial," 52. Harvard Architectural Building, lettering on, 14. Hazenplug, Frank, 116, 198. Historic styles of lettering, knowledge of, 207. Holbein's 'Dance of Death' initials, 1 1 7. Home, Herbert P., 72. Hrachowina, C., 188. Hupp, Otto, 142. I., 8, 9 ; space around, 205. Illegibility of Blackletters, 135, 136. Image, Selwyn, 73, 93. Incised letters in stone, Gothic, 139, 140; Classic Roman, 9, 14, 45 ; (see also Granite, Inlaid, . Marble, Sandstone, V-sunk and Stone-cut). Ink, 20 1. Inking-in lettering, 200, 202. Inlaid lettering, Gothic, 141. Interlacement of Script letters Ki- lmer-relation of letters, 6, 135, 20 1. lorio, Adrian J., 107. Irish letters, (see Anglo-Saxon). Italian, Blackletters, 139, 141; modern lettering, 92 ; Renais- sance (see Renaissance); Ro- man small letters, 64 ; types, 52 ; writing-books, 64, 183 ; letters, drawing of, 20 1 . Italic, 52, 182, i 88, 194, 198; capitals, 182, 198; drawing of, 205 ; emphasis of, 206. J-, 8. j., 56. Jenson, Nicholas, 64. Jones, A. Garth, 96. K., 6. L, 56. Kerns, 53, 56. Kimball, H. Ingalls, 71. L., 104. Late Gothic, (see Blackletter) . Laying out, lettering, 200, 20 1 , 203, 204, 205; a border, 204. Le Boutillier, Addison B., no. 212 INDEX Legibility of lettering, 206, 207; of Round Gothic, 132. Letters, outlines of, 202, 206 ; widths of, 206 ; to lay out, 205; execution of in various materials, 14; (see also Brasses, Inlaid, Marble, Gran- ite, Pen and Printed forms, Sandstone, Type). Lines, heavy, 199; narrow, 199; thin, 200 ; in water - color, 200 ; freehand, 202, 203 ; ruled, 202. Linking, of Blackletters, 136; of Round Gothic, 132; of Roman Capitals, 45; of Script, 182. Lowell, Orson, 117. M., 2, 28. m., 56. Marble, letters cut in, 17, 27, (see also Incised, Inlaid). Marsuppini tomb, Florence, 28. Magonigle, H. Van Buren, 102. McKim, Mead & White, archi- tects, 14. Medals, lettering on, 30. Merrymount Press, The, 71,72. "Merrymount" type, 71. Minuscule, I ; modern Roman, 52, 53, 56, 57, 64; monu- mental uses, 57; composition of, 64; growing use of, 76, 122; spacing of, 57; (see also, Roman, Gothic, Italic, Script). Modern lettering, (see under countries. American, English, French, German, Italian). Modern Roman Capitals, 6 ; (see Chapter II). Modern type, (see Type). "Montaigne" type, 69. "Mont' Allegro" type, 73. Moore, Guernsey, 1 1 6. Morris, William, 7 2 ; types of, 69. Mucha, Alphons M.j 91. N., 2.^ Netherlands, brasses from, 141. New, Edmund H., 96. Nicholson, William, 95. O., 8, 182. O., 182 Optical Illusions in Roman Capi- tals, 8. Outline letters, 202. P., 6. Pantheon, Rome, Raphael's tomb, 27. Papers, drawing, 201. Parchment, I 28. Parrish, Maxfield, 110, 122. Parsons, Alfred, 96. Pens, 199, 20 1 ; crowquill, 199; reed, 2 ; ruling, 202 ; stub, 200 ; quill, 200. Pen drawn forms of letters, 9, Z 7> 3> 3 ! 45> 5 6 > 6 4 74 76, 122, 140, l82, 199, 2O2. Pencils, 200, 201. Penfield, Edward, 100, 116, 118, 198. Petrarch, 5 2 ; handwriting of, 182. Pisano, Vittore, 30. INDEX 213 "Post Old Style" type, 116. Presses, (see Merrymount,Vale, Riverside, Cheltenham, Dove's, and De Vinne). Printed forms of Roman letters, 9> 3> 5 2 > 53 5 6 6 4> 6 9> 122. Printers, German, 52; Italian, 5 2, 64 ; American, 69 ; Eng- lish, 64,. 69, 72, 73; Vene- tian, 53, 64. Proportions of a design, 203. Puttner, Walter, 142. Pyle, Howard, 117. Qi, 2, 8, 92. " Quadrigesimale," 69. Quill pens, 200; method of holding, 2, 131. R., 2, 6, 8. Railton, Herbert, 96. Raphael's tomb, lettering from, 27. ( Reduction of drawings, 203, 204. Renaissance, letters, 15, 27, 30; artists of the, 5 3 ; lettering of the Italian, 206 ; medals, 30; purity of letter shapes, 69. Renner, 69. Renner type, 69. Reproduction of drawings, 203. Ricketts, Charles, 93. Riverside Press, The, 69. Rogers, Bruce, 69, 194. Roman Capitals, I, 27; (see also Modern Roman); thick and thin lines of, 1 , 6 ; model for, 3 ; rules for, 2 ; square- ness of, i , 6, 131; peculiar- ities of, 6, 8. Roman letters, 127, 136; with Italic, 182; combined with Script and Italic, 194; cross bars of, 6 ; definition of, I ; legibility of, 206 ; waist lines of, 6 ; width proportions of, 6. Roman minuscules, (see Minus- cule). Roman forms, Gothic Spirit in, 84; Uncial, 128. Romanesque influence on Italian lettering, 45. Ross, Albert R., 3, 11,32, 56. Roty, O., 30. Round Gothic, analysis of, 131; definition of, 131; capitals to use with, 132, 139. Round letters, capitals, 2, 3 ; Minuscules, 56, 71; stone- cut, 3, 9. Rubbings, from inscriptions, 1 1 , 1 6. Ruling pen, 202. S., 8. Sandstone, letters cut in, 1 4. Santa Croce, Florence, lettering from, 28, 141. Script, 182, 183, 1 8 8, 194, 198; capitals, 1 88; cursive tendency in, 182; developed from writing hands, 182; drawing of, 205 ; French, 1 88 ; German, 1 88 ; on Eng- lish headstones and wall tombs, 1 88; Spanish, 188; used in engravings, 1 88; used with upright Roman, 182, 183. 214 INDEX Serifs, 8, 16; definition of, 3; in Minuscule letters, 53, 69, 71; in Italic letters, 182; treatment of, 206. Serlio, Sebastian, 3, II, 32. Shadows in V-sunk letters, 10, n, 14. Shaw, Byam, 96. Simpson, Joseph W., 93. Small letters, (see Minuscule, also Modern Roman, Gothic, Script and Italic). Spacing, of Classic Roman let- ters, 6, 8 ; of Blackletters, 128, 134, 136; of Minus- cules, 53, 56, 57; of type, 56; of "Montaigne" type, 69; of " Cheltenham " type, 7 1 ; of letters and words, 201 , 205 ; emphasis obtained by, 206. Spanish, Script, 188; Roman letters, 64; writing-books, 64, 183. Stone-cut letters, Roman, 3, 9, 14; (see also Incised, V-sunk, Granite, Marble, Sandstone). Sullivan, James F. , 96. Swash lines, 2, 53, 136. T., 8, 28. Tagliente, G. A., 31. Thompson, Hugh, 96. Tory, Geoffrey, 31. Townsend, Harry Everett, 117. Transferring of lettering, 202. Type, 9, 52, 64, 74. Type-founders, 9, 56, 64. Type models for pen lettering, use of, 74, 76, 122. Uncial letters, 45, 76, 84, 92, 128; Gothic, 139; metal forms of, 1 40 ; pen forms of, 1 40 ; stone-cut, 1 40 ; stone and marble, 139. Updike, D. Berkeley, 71. V., 9. Vale Press, The, 93. Van Rysselberghe, Theo., 91. Venetian printers, 53, 64. Verneuil, M. P., 86. Vinci, Leonardo da, 3 1 . V-sunk Roman lettering, 9, 10, 14; (see also Incised). W., 9. w., 56. Waist lines, 6, 204 ; of Roman letters, 6, 204, 206. Westminster Abbey, England, 188. Width proportions, of Roman Capital letters, 6. Writing-books, 64, 183. Writing hand, 188 ; of Petrarch, 182 ; Script developed from, 182. X., 6. Y., 6. y., 56. Z., 2. BATES c-f GUILD COMPANTS PUBLICATIONS PEN DRAWING," by Charles D. Maginnis. An illustrated treatise, with seventy-two examples of the work of all the more eminent modern pen- draughtsmen. A practical text book, which aims to put the student in the most direct way of attain- ing successful proficiency in Pen Drawing. Price $1.00, postpaid DETAILS OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION." by Professor Clarence A. Martin. A reliable reference manual for the use of architects and builders. The thirty-three plates it contains repro- duce over three hundred detail drawings at scale, covering all ordinary methods of construction in wood. Price $2.00, postpaid ARCHITECTURAL SHADES AND SHAD- OWS," by Henry McGoodwin. The most thor- ough treatise on this subject thus far published, written in terms of architectural drawing, in- stead of descriptive geometry, and presenting a course of study that any draughtsman can fol- low. 8l plates, cloth binding. Price $j.oo, postpaid SEND FOR SPECIAL CIRCULARS 42 C II A U N C V S T R K E T , BOSTON, MASS . <,!??. * ^^twi . ' - ) / A 000155630 7