Specimens of chromatic wood type, borders, &c

by Esther K. Smith

Specimens of Chromatic Wood Type, Borders, &c.' is a vintage volume with an established cultlike status within the bibliophile, typographic, and design worlds. Originally published as a catalogue for William H. Page's Connecticut wood type foundry considered one of the best in the world this 1874 type specimen book features elaborate display typefaces meant to announce tent revivals and circuses. In addition to the beautifully intricate typefaces and playful designs, the original author designed the pages in such a random sequence that the text reads as humorous and strange experimental...