Typographie by Walter Bangerter & Walter Marti, 1948 [post–WWII Swiss Typography]

Typographie by Walter Bangerter and Walter Marti, 1948. Printed by Keller & Co. AG und Schill & Cie, Lucerne, Switzerland. German text only, 11.5 x 11.75, 138 pages. Embossed title on stiff black cardboard with a worn red painted spiral wire binding.

From the loosely translated introduction ... “Do today’s printed materials speak the visual language of our time? Apart from a few truly excellent examples, no. This deficiency gave rise to our collaborative work: to create new, authentic printed materials and to compile them in an illustrative and educational work. May this book thus serve as an inspiration for all who wish to work seriously in a fine profession.”

Sections feature contemporary design work of the two authors/designers: logos, letterhead, business cards, menus, labels, brochures, Ex-Libris bookplates (tipped-in), posters, and advertisements — beautifully printed using experimental techniques and paper stocks. The letterhead section is particularly impressive, printed on the paper originally specified by the designers/typographers and perforated. Main sections and most works include thoughtful commentary. Overall, a valuable contribution (and snapshot) to early post–WWII, modern Swiss typography and graphic design. This is the first edition, a later edition by Marti was published in 1957.

A very good spiral-bound book with light wear; pages turn easily. The black cardboard covers are marginally scuffed and interior pages show signs of light handling ... fingerprints, a letterhead that’s been folded, a page with a small tear, and some toning along the margins. Recommended!