Providing an essential grounding for readers of all levels, from students to professionals, this carefully structured text takes the reader through every aspect of typography, from the history of language and writing systems to the invention of movable type and the evolution of the digital systems of today. It provides an overview of the bewildering variety of typefaces available and is a practical guide to using type as a meaningful element of design in all media. In this revised edition, Chapter 3 ('Form') has been considerably extended with illustrations of 'part-alphabets' for 60 typefaces and detailed explanations of their visual features. There are also updated sections in Chapters 4 and 6 ('Manufacture & Design' and 'Conventions') and in Chapter 5 ('Structure') there is new material on the use of grids and design for the Web.