This classic book, first published in 1983 and updated in 1990, helps designers to recognize and identify typefaces seen and used on an everyday basis, and provides assistance with the process of typeface selection. It highlights the essential characteristics of more than 700 typeface specimens, all fully cross-referenced to a comprehensive index. Typefaces are grouped according to specific design features and the typefinding process is by visual inspection and elimination. 'Earmark' or letter feature tables offer an alternative but companion method of identifying text typefaces, illustrating the more distinctive and unusual identifying features of letters. Each category of typeface is prefaced with an introduction by Phil Baines examining its historical background. The book also contains an eight-page section of 50 brief biographies of leading type designers.

Not available in the USA and Canada.

Christopher Perfect runs the Perfect Design Company Limited. Gordon Rookledge is the Founder and Managing Director of Sarema Press (Publishers) Limited. Phil Baines is a freelance designer and Senior Lecturer at Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design.