
A practical guide for anyone interested in the art of setting type, this work walks readers through the fundamentals of hand composition, from arranging type cases to mastering spacing and justification. It balances reverence for traditional craftsmanship with an eye toward modern machine‑assisted printing, arguing that solid manual skills remain essential for any printer today. Clear instructions are paired with vivid examples, allowing learners to see how each technique translates onto the page.
Beyond the mechanics, the author emphasizes disciplined habits—quiet focus, organized workspaces, and proper handling of tools—that shape a competent compositor. The text also offers insight into how these timeless principles enhance the work of contemporary machine operators, making the material valuable for both apprentices and seasoned professionals. By the end of the first section, listeners will have a solid foundation to approach typography with confidence and precision.
Full title
Typesetting A primer of information about working at the case, justifying, spacing, correcting, making-up, and other operations employed in setting type by hand
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (170K characters)
Series
Typographic technical series for apprentices, pt. II, no. 16
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Barbara Tozier, Andrew Wainwright, Bill Tozier and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2014-06-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
Known for clear, practical books on printing and typesetting, this early technical writer turned shop knowledge into straightforward guides for working printers. His books preserve the hands-on craft of composing type and arranging the tools of the print room.
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