Review

The Elements of Typographic Style

Could I really review Robert Bringhurst’s definitive typographic guide and not give it five stars?

I was introduced to serious typography in 2000, when I started working for The Gateway, the student newspaper at the University of Alberta. At the time, we were lucky enough to have some very talented designers and photographers on staff who brought an uncompromising eye to the visual identity of the newspaper. Their efforts (and I’d like to think some of my own efforts) created a publication that stood out (and continues to stand out) from other Canadian student newspapers. After James Craig’s Designing with Type, The Elements of Typographic Style was step #2 for any editor consciously interested in learning more about, and working with the nuances of, great typography.

I’ve carried my copy (version 2.4) with me since about 2001, but not until this morning had I actually made my way through its entirety. That’s not to say it didn’t get used, of course. The Elements of Typographic Style, while chock full of historical goodness, is more of a reference document. I’ve always reached for its guidance when needed. Being a reference though, a continuous straight read can be quite the slog. Nevertheless, Bringhurst – a notable author and poet in his own right – manages to make the prose dance in a pleasurable way as he tours through typographic technique and history.

A cursory Internet search will confirm Elements’ status as a classic in the field. Anyone even remotely interested in improving their graphic communication skills should start here. Highly recommended!