Released in 1922 with a later revision in 1937, Updike’s Printing Types: Their History, Forms & Use; A Study in Survivals became known as the standard work the history of printing and typography and a basic book for all interested in the graphic arts. This two-volume work spans nearly 450 years and includes detailed analyses of the printers and type designers and their work. Accompanying this history are more than 360 facsimile illustrations showcasing examples of typography, borders, flowers, and pages pulled from the books covered.
Facsimiles can’t compare to the original material and so Updike’s original work has been enhanced with scans of the original materials in place of his facsimiles. Original scans have been carefully sought out and included, allowing readers to explore the many traits Updike described in their original form. All of the illustrations are also available in a comprehensive catalog with filters for browsing by country, style, and contents and cross-referenced with the chapters in which they appear. Supplemental notes from the second edition have also been included in context, unifying the two editions. Additionally, more than 1,200 sources have been identified and linked throughout, creating new opportunities for exploration for those interested in the history of Western printing and typography.
A poster has been created in a style that pays homage to antique broadside type specimens showcasing the top 100 types based on Updike’s own descriptions.
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Published September 20, 2025
