William Dana Orcutt

Born in 1870 and active across several corners of the book world, William Dana Orcutt was an American author, book designer, typeface designer, and historian. He became especially associated with high-quality bookmaking and is remembered for the care he brought to both the written word and the physical page.

Orcutt worked with the Plimpton Press, where he played an important role in the design and production of books. He also designed type, including the Humanistic typeface, reflecting his belief that typography was part of a book's personality, not just a way to deliver text.

Alongside his design work, he wrote books of his own, often drawing on literary and historical subjects. That mix of practical craft and literary interest makes him an especially appealing figure for listeners who enjoy authors with one foot in storytelling and the other in the history of books.