The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sisteray's review against another edition
4.0
This is a nice crash course for those interested in the basics of form and the history of type. The last third isn't as fun, but on a whole the book is pretty solid, even if you want to read it for entertainment, rather than education.
pr0pheta's review against another edition
5.0
loved this from start to finish. really funny, informative, and introspective look into design. felt real great seeing exercises my professors used on us layed out in this book, ellen lupton is one of the best
granu's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
“Thinking with type” is a great book that provides a solid foundation of various aspects of typography and it’s application. It’s oriented less as a guide, and more of a summary of design decisions, their history, and their stylistic impact. Through the lens of reference designs, it also provides interesting examples of each aspect.
It doesn’t assume any significant prior knowledge on typography, but I do suggest you approach with the mindset that typographical designs can have major but subtle impacts. Overall, a very interesting read!
It doesn’t assume any significant prior knowledge on typography, but I do suggest you approach with the mindset that typographical designs can have major but subtle impacts. Overall, a very interesting read!
novelfables's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first design book I've read. It was inspiring and informative. I had no idea there was such a vast history revolving around typography. It's amazing to see some of the designs from the 1700-1800s that are simply timeless. If you're looking for some creative inspiration this is worth a read. I might buy the hardcover edition as it's worthy of a place on my bookshelf; even just for the history.
arensb's review against another edition
4.0
Lupton's book gives an overview of the field of typography and page design. It's a quick read, but is enough to let the reader get an idea of what's out there, how different fonts interact, what sorts of things to consider when laying out a page, and so on.
The main structure of the book is a zoom-out: it starts with fonts--showing what a serif, a slab, or a descender are--to paragraphs, to pages and books.
It's reminiscent of Scott McCloud's [b:Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art|102920|Understanding Comics The Invisible Art|Scott McCloud|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328408101s/102920.jpg|2415847] in that it uses its subject to illustrate itself: McCloud used comics to explain comics, and Lupton uses fonts and page design to explain fonts and page design. For instance, instead of spending half a page explaining how to pick fonts or font weights that complement each other and work well together, Lupton instead shows half a dozen examples that work, and another half dozen that don't. This might seem gimmicky, but I think it works.
There are passages where Lupton gets into what could kindly be called poetic digressions into somewhat esoteric and esthetic topics, and might unkindly be called arty nonsense. Thankfully, it's easy enough to skip to the next chapter (most chapters are only two to four pages long) and get on with the next bit.
The main structure of the book is a zoom-out: it starts with fonts--showing what a serif, a slab, or a descender are--to paragraphs, to pages and books.
It's reminiscent of Scott McCloud's [b:Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art|102920|Understanding Comics The Invisible Art|Scott McCloud|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328408101s/102920.jpg|2415847] in that it uses its subject to illustrate itself: McCloud used comics to explain comics, and Lupton uses fonts and page design to explain fonts and page design. For instance, instead of spending half a page explaining how to pick fonts or font weights that complement each other and work well together, Lupton instead shows half a dozen examples that work, and another half dozen that don't. This might seem gimmicky, but I think it works.
There are passages where Lupton gets into what could kindly be called poetic digressions into somewhat esoteric and esthetic topics, and might unkindly be called arty nonsense. Thankfully, it's easy enough to skip to the next chapter (most chapters are only two to four pages long) and get on with the next bit.
cmbwell's review against another edition
4.0
As a designer, this was mostly review for me. But I was happily surprised to find some new information as well.