Typography: A Manual of Design by Emil Ruder, true 1st ed., 1967. Arthur Niggli Ltd., Teufen, Switzerland. 9.25 x 9.75, pp. 274 with German, English and French text; and dual languages on the front cover. Printed in Switzerland. Layout and jacket design by Emil Ruder, SWB, Basle.
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 nearly fine white hardcover in its’ original very good dust jacket. Light wear, some creases and marks and a few small tears to the white cover corners and spine top. Some of these tears have been reinforced with tape (see photo) on the exterior and interior of the jacket. A previous owners first initial and last name have been inked to the top edge and fore edge (see photo). Despite this, a well preserved, important book. Highly recommended!