A Tally of Types

A Tally of Types is a foundational text on typography by Stanley Morison, first published in 1953. The book documents significant typeface designs developed at the Lanston Monotype Corporation during the 1920s and 1930s in England. The work originated as an exclusive Christmas gift from Cambridge University Press, with an initial print run of 450 copies. Since then, it has been republished multiple times with additional content, including appendices on newer typeface designs and an introduction by digital typography expert Mike Parker. Morison chronicles his experiences as typographic advisor to Monotype Corporation, where he led research into historical typefaces and directed their adaptation for modern use. The text provides technical details, historical context, and insights into the development process of numerous typefaces. The book stands as both a historical document of early 20th century typography and a technical resource that captures the transition between traditional and modern typesetting methods. Its influence on typography and printing continues to resonate in contemporary design practices.

Readers describe this book as a detailed historical record of Monotype Corporation's typeface development, though most note it requires existing knowledge of typography to follow. Readers appreciate: - Deep technical analysis of type design decisions - Historical context for each typeface's development - Original sketches and specimens included - First-hand accounts of working with designers Common criticisms: - Dense, academic writing style - Assumes significant typography background - Limited availability and high cost of print copies - Some factual errors later corrected in revised editions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: No reviews available From reader reviews: "Invaluable reference for serious typographers but not for beginners" - Goodreads user "The writing can be dry but the historical details are fascinating" - Typography forum post "Worth tracking down if you study type history, though prepare for a scholarly tone" - Type design blog comment

Anatomy of a Typeface by Alexander Lawson Chronicles the development and classification of major typefaces throughout history, providing technical analysis and historical context similar to Morison's approach.

Letters of Credit by Walter Tracy Details the practical and theoretical aspects of type design from a master practitioner who, like Morison, worked extensively with major type foundries.

Printing Types: Their History, Forms, and Use by Daniel Berkeley Updike Presents a comprehensive examination of type history from the 15th to 20th centuries with the same scholarly rigor found in A Tally of Types.

The Typographic Book 1450-1935 by Stanley Morison and Kenneth Day Contains Morison's further research into typographic history and development, expanding on themes introduced in A Tally of Types.

Type: The Secret History of Letters by Simon Loxley Traces the development of type design through key historical figures and foundries, complementing Morison's institutional perspective with broader industry context.

🔤 The 1920s-30s period covered in the book coincided with the "golden age" of mechanical typesetting, when Monotype machines revolutionized printing by enabling faster, more precise composition. 📚 Stanley Morison also designed the iconic Times New Roman typeface in 1932, which was commissioned by the British newspaper The Times to improve readability. 📖 The original 450-copy print run in 1953 was bound in quarter leather and printed on handmade paper, making it one of the most sought-after books among typography collectors. ⚡ Morison was fired from his position at The Times newspaper during WWI for being a conscientious objector, before later returning to transform their typography. 🎨 The book documents the creation of several historically significant typefaces, including Bembo, Baskerville, and Gill Sans, which remain widely used in modern digital typography.