
Boekkunst En Grafiek, Jan Poortenaar, 1930s
This book from just under a century ago describes the technological and aesthetic state of typography, and emphasises fundamentals and heredity. It can be seen that the layouts and typefaces described in this book, as well as the compositional and artistic techniques, have not lost anything over time.
Cloth binding, 204 pages
Long ago, writing was rare and regarded as very special. Only a few people, such as priests, knew how to read and write, and they treated this skill as a closely guarded secret. To them, writing was almost magical, communicating with the gods or recording important stories and laws.
Then, the printing press was invented, which changed everything. It allowed books to be produced quickly and in large numbers, making them accessible to many more people. Imagine having a unique toy that no one else had, but suddenly, everyone could have it, too.
Writing, once rare and enchanted, became widespread and ordinary. Although this made writing less unique, it was beneficial because it enabled everyone to share stories and knowledge.
From illustrations

Arthur Van Schendel, Fratilamur
From illustrations

Arthur Van Schendel
From illustrations

From illustrations

From illustrations

From illustrations

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Plato
From illustrations

Caslon
From illustrations

From illustrations

From illustrations

Bifur, Deberny Peignot
From illustrations

Pinocchio
From illustrations

Ovide, Les Metamorphoses,1934