Baskerville: The Biography of a Typeface

When Baskerville was first created in 1757, there was concern that it would damage readers eyes with its combination of thin and thick strokes and tapering serifs. Yet 250 years later, it remains one of the most commonly used typefaces in books of all kinds. As best-selling author Simon Garfield tells it, the tale of this elegant typeface is one of painstaking dedication. The fonts creator, John Baskerville, was a maverick lacquer maker and master printer who made it his lifes mission to achieve the fonts perfection. His efforts culminated in his magnificent Bible, acclaimed as the finest ever made. Garfield explores why Baskervilles own body was dug up and buried many times before finally being allowed to rest in peace, and examines his legacy through the work of his wife, Sarah Baskervilleone of the first powerful women in the printing worldand the archivists and enthusiasts working to preserve the fonts original steel punches today.