It has been 20 years since Ellen Lupton’s 2004 book, “Thinking with Type: A critical guide for designers, editors & students” was released, but it is still as relevant as ever.
The book opens with: “The organization of letters on a blank page — or screen — is the designer’s most basic challenge. What kind of font to use? How big? How should those letters, words and paragraphs be aligned, spaced, ordered, shaped and otherwise manipulated?”
While teaching at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Lupton wrote the book because she could not find one that encapsulated everything she deemed important for her students.
Lupton, a renowned graphic designer, educator and writer, has been a go-to person for typography and design theory for decades. Her work blends theory with practical insight, making complex design concepts accessible to a wider audience.
The book is divided into three sections — “Letter,” “Text” and “Grid” — which address a different aspect of typography.
In the “Letter” section, Lupton explores the anatomy of individual characters, explaining font styles, classifications and the historical evolution of typefaces.
The “Text” section focuses on how text is structured on a page, discussing important details like spacing, alignment and legibility — all of which are crucial for effective communication.
The “Grid” section explores how type can be organized to create a balanced and visually appealing layout.
The book has become a staple in classrooms and for people simply interested in typography. The pages offer a clear and engaging roadmap for the principles of working with type, in both print and digital mediums.
Lupton’s use of real-world examples — along with exercises for readers — makes the book both practical and visually stimulating.
