It's Typography Tuesday at Tate Publishing!

Each publishing house has their own House Style, that determines how a books appearance will be constructed. Some house styles are better than others- I'm sure we have all seen books that do not quite "have it", and miss the design mark. Tate Publishing's house styles have been adapted from the timeless work of Robert Bringhurst, in The Elements of Typographic Style.

As a book enters the layout department, several items are considered to determine the typeface that will be used to construct the words on the page. These include: the word count (we want to make sure the typeface- pointsize and x-height- does not extend a book unnecessarily, therefore inflating the retail price), the genre (There are fonts that are better suited to a novel, than a technical book. Likewise, a different type treatment must be used on a young reader, as compared to a book on advanced Biblical Theology.). Additionally, typefaces must be considered if there are images in the book, and how the overall effect of imagery and type will mesh.

Just as the written word communicates to the reader, the manner it is presented also communicates. Our desire for each book that Tate Publishing crafts is that it communicate to the viewer that "this book is a timeless piece, to be treasured and revered". The irony to this, however, is that a book with with strong typesetting shouldn't stick out. The type should just mesh and blend with the words, so the reader can enjoy why they purchased the book in the first place- to read a great story.




For more insight into Robert Bringhurst- here is an interview for your enjoyment!