Typography: A Manual of Design, 1st ed., 1967 by Emil Ruder [ex-libris: I. M. Pei and Associates, Architects]

Typography: A Manual of Design by Emil Ruder, 1st ed., 1967. Arthur Niggli Ltd., Teufen, Switzerland and Visual Communication Books, Hasting House, New York, USA. 9.25 x 9.75, pp. 274 with German, English and French text. Printed in Switzerland. Layout and jacket design by Emil Ruder, SWB, Basle. From the library office of I. M. Pei and Associates.

Ruder’s seminal book on every conceivable typographic problem in relation to texture, weight, color, legibility, spacing and leading is explained. Introduction by the author with eighteen chapters including: Writing and printing; Function and form; Form and counter-form; The techniques of typography; Arrangements; Geometrical, optical and organic aspects; Proportions; Point, line and surface; Contrasts; Shades of grey; Color; Unity of text and form; Rhythm; Spontaneity and fortuity; Integral design; Variations; Kinetics and Lettering and illustration.

Heavily illustrated (many full-page) in black and white with spots of red, yellow and blue from studies executed by the author or in the Typography Course at the Allgemeine Gewerbeschule (AGS) Basel where Ruder taught since 1942. Ruder’s book is a testament to his influential teaching; part philosophy, theory and a practical and experimental methodology. Photographs by Armin Hofmann, Werner Blaser and André Gürtler.

A very good or better white hardcover. The original very good dust jacket has light toning, small tears and chips and creasing along bottom edge and spine. There is a slight bump to the bottom edge of the front cover. From the library office of I. M. Pei with four duplicate stamps: ”I. M. PEI AND ASSOCIATES – FILE COPY – DO NOT TAKE FROM OFFICE.” A small Wittenborn Art Books label on the inside rear cover. This first edition hardcover with jacket is always recommended. Dust jacket condition noted and price adjusted.