Eric Gill's opinionated manifesto on typography argues that 'a good
piece of lettering is as beautiful a thing to see as any sculpture or
painted picture'. This essay explores the place of typography in culture
and is also a moral treatise celebrating the role of craftsmanship in an
industrial age. Gill, a sculptor, engraver, printmaker and creator of
many classic typefaces that can be seen around us today, fused art,
history and polemic in a visionary work which has been hugely
influential on modern graphic design. 'Written with clarity, humility
and a touch of humour . . . timeless and absorbing' Paul Rand, The New
York Times 'His lettering was clear, confident and hugely influential on
the development of modern type design. The world has now caught up with
Gill' Guardian How do we see the world around us? This is one of a
number of pivotal works by creative thinkers like John Berger and Susan
Sontag whose writings on art, design and the media have changed our
vision for ever.