T-55. Type, Lettering & Calligraphy, 1830–2000

An examination of typefaces and related letterforms. Topics include: commercial typography and the evolution of decorative display types: Perrin, Whittingham, and the revival of old style typefaces; the types of the private presses; art nouveau: the artist and printmaker as letter designer; Edward Johnston and broad-pen calligraphy; type design for machine production: the American Typefounders Company, Mergenthaler Linotype, Monotype (in the USA and England); new types in Germany and France. This course continues the themes developed in T-50.

This course will attempt to bring together coherently a number of points about the history of letterforms during its period, to survey current scholarship in the field, and to point directions for students’ future study. The course presupposes a general knowledge of Western history and of the topics covered in T-50. In their personal statement, prospective students—especially those who have not already taken T-50—should outline their background and previous study in typographic history.

Course History

2008
James Mosley teaches this course, as "Type, Lettering & Calligraphy, 1830–2000."
2006
James Mosley teaches this course, as "Type, Lettering, and Calligraphy, 1830–1980."
2004
James Mosley teaches this course, as "Type, Lettering, and Calligraphy, 1830–1940."
1990
James Mosley teaches this course, as "Type, Lettering, and Calligraphy, 1830–1914."
This course is not currently being offered. Please do not list on any RBS fellowship or scholarship applications.

Course Resources

  • Advance Reading List
  • Evaluations for this course:

Related Courses