Octavo 87.3, International Journal of Typography edited by Simon Johnston, Mark Holt, Michael Burke and Hamish Muir, Winter 1987. Published by Eight Five Zero (8vo), London, UK. 11.75 x 8.25, pp. 16 with English text.
Designed, published and self-financed in an edition of 3,000 copies as an eight issue series between 1986 and 1992. Distinct and influential, “Octavo arose from a genuine desire to develop a forum for matters related to typographic design, both historical and contemporary. And it was an opportunity to be openly critical of the complete absence of any European sensibility in British typography.” (8vo: On the Outside, Lars Müller, 2005).
Illustrated throughout with photographs and work examples. As with all volumes, this third issue features excellent, thoughtful and critical texts:
- Ian Hamilton Finaly: Terror and Virtue. Lindsay Fulcher examines duality and paradox in Finaly’s work.
- Where is the School of Thought? Peter Rea argues the case for a reappraisal of aims and values in design education.
- Architectural Typography: Willi Kunz at Columbia. Kenneth Frampton discusses Kunz’s posters for the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University, NYC.
- ISO 7000/No. 0623. Deviations from the International Standards Organization symbol used to indicate the correct upright position of packages in transit.
A very good journal with stapled paper covers and light wear throughout. With its’ original but poor vellum printed wrapper, which is split along the entire spine and edges with a horizontally slice thru the middle; not pretty but did a fine job to protect the white covers. Condition noted and price adjusted.