Just My Type

by Simon Garfield
Just My Type cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Design, and Photography
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  • ID: 5903
  • Added: 2025-10-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-26
  • ISBN: 9781847652928
  • Publisher: Profile Books
  • Published: 2010-10-21
  • Reviews: 4

Just My Type is not just a font book, but a collection of stories that explore the impact of typography on our lives. It delves into how different fonts like Helvetica and Comic Sans have taken over the world, and why figures like Barack Obama and Amy Winehouse chose specific typefaces for their messages. The book also highlights the work of influential typographers, from Baskerville to Zapf, and those who broke the rules, like Neville Brody. It captures the pivotal moment when fonts transitioned from Letraset to computers, making them a subject of widespread opinion./n/nThis edition of Just My Type is available with both black and silver covers, offering a visual treat for typography enthusiasts. The book is praised for its engaging narrative, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history and cultural significance of fonts. It's a book that reveals how fonts are not just tools for communication but also define the world we live in.

Reviews
Eye Magazine · 2025-10-25
enlightening 4.25

The book offers an entertaining and accessible discussion of typeface design, making it enlightening for both general and design-savvy audiences. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the world of typography.

This book is a fantastic introduction to the world of typeface design, offering an entertaining and accessible discussion that will appeal to both general and design-savvy readers. The author's approach is both informative and engaging, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and impact of typography. The book's discussion of typeface design is not only enlightening but also highly entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this fascinating subject. It's a book that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the art of typeface design.

Quick quotes

    Just My Type offers an entertaining discussion of typeface design that is accessible, informative, and enlightening for a general audience.

    The book's discussion of typeface design is not only enlightening but also highly entertaining.

    It's a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this fascinating subject.

sjhoward.co.uk · 2014-03-05
entertaining 3.75

The book is praised for its humor and lightheartedness, as well as its wealth of facts and anecdotes about the design community. It offers a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of typography.

Readers will find this book to be an enjoyable and humorous exploration of typography. It's filled with interesting facts and anecdotes that provide a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of fonts. The author's lighthearted approach makes the subject matter accessible and engaging, even for those who may not have a background in design. The book's tales of times gone by and contemporary life in the design community add a layer of depth and context to the discussion of typography. It's a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from design enthusiasts to casual readers looking for an entertaining read.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed its humour and levity; its facts and figures; its tales of times gone by and anecdotes of contemporary life in the design community.

    The book offers a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of typography.

    The author's lighthearted approach makes the subject matter accessible and engaging.

Typographica · 2012-04-27
flawed 2.50

The book is criticized for its lack of organization and focus on anecdotes over a structured introduction to typography. It's seen as well-intentioned but flawed.

Typographica's review points out that while 'Just My Type' is well-intentioned, it falls short in providing a structured introduction to the world of type. The reviewer criticizes the book's focus on anecdotes and personalities, which they find disorganized. Despite its flaws, the book is seen as a good starting point for those interested in typography, but it may not satisfy those looking for a more comprehensive guide.

Quick quotes

    A well-intentioned but sloppy book that focuses on anecdotes and personalities, instead of providing an organized introduction to the world of type.

    It's seen as a good starting point for those interested in typography.

    The book may not satisfy those looking for a more comprehensive guide.

The Guardian · 2011-10-02
informative 4.00

The book transforms readers into enthusiastic font enthusiasts, appreciating the beauty of individual letters and well-crafted symbols. It offers a unique perspective on the history and impact of typography.

This book is a delightful exploration of the world of fonts, making readers more attuned to the typography around them. It's not just about identifying different fonts but also about appreciating the artistry and history behind them. The author's approach is both informative and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience. It's a must-read for anyone curious about the hidden stories behind the letters we see every day. The book also nudge readers towards admiring the beauty of a single letter or a well-drawn ampersand, making it a unique and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    This book won't just turn readers into avid font-spotters; it will also nudge them towards admiring the beauty of a single letter or a well-drawn ampersand.

    Garfield's exploration of typography is both informative and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience.

    It's a must-read for anyone curious about the hidden stories behind the letters we see every day.

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