The New Typography

by Jan Tschichold
The New Typography cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Design, and Photography
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  • ID: 5922
  • Added: 2025-10-26
  • Updated: 2025-10-26
  • ISBN: 9780520355019
  • Publisher: Univ of California Press
  • Published: 2023-11-15
  • Reviews: 3

First published in 1928, Jan Tschichold's The New Typography has long been regarded as the essential guide to typography and graphic design in the modern era. This updated edition includes a foreword by Rich Hendel, providing contemporary perspectives on Tschichold's influential work and its enduring relevance in the design world. The book explores the principles of typography in the machine age, offering a comprehensive look at how design has evolved alongside technology. With an introduction by Robin Kinross, this edition is a must-read for designers, students, and anyone interested in the history and future of visual communication.

Reviews
Studio International · 2019-03-12
inspiring 4.50

The exhibition highlights Tschichold's influence on graphic design and his belief in design as a force for social change. The review praises his innovative approach and lasting impact.

This review discusses an exhibition that traces Jan Tschichold's significant influence on graphic design between the world wars. It emphasizes his belief that design could drive social change, a perspective that resonated deeply with the era's cultural and political landscape. The reviewer highlights how Tschichold's work broke away from traditional design norms, embracing modernist principles that prioritized clarity and functionality. They also note the enduring relevance of his ideas, which continue to inspire contemporary designers.

Quick quotes

    This exhibition traces his influence on graphic design between the world wars and his belief that design was a force for social change.

    Tschichold's work broke away from traditional design norms, embracing modernist principles that prioritized clarity and functionality.

    The enduring relevance of his ideas continues to inspire contemporary designers.

Dezign Rogue · 2013-02-13
pioneering 4.00

The blog post emphasizes the clarity and functionality of Tschichold's typography, praising its departure from traditional beauty standards. It highlights the book's enduring relevance in design education.

This blog post delves into the essence of Tschichold's typography, emphasizing its focus on clarity and functionality over mere beauty. The reviewer appreciates how Tschichold's work challenged conventional design norms, advocating for a more functional and accessible approach. They also note the book's continued relevance in design education, where it serves as a foundational text for understanding modernist design principles. The post concludes by reflecting on the timelessness of Tschichold's ideas, which remain influential in contemporary design practices.

Quick quotes

    The essence of the new typography 'was clarity, not simply beauty; its objective was to develop form from the functions of the texts'.

    Tschichold's work challenged conventional design norms, advocating for a more functional and accessible approach.

    The book's continued relevance in design education serves as a foundational text for understanding modernist design principles.

Project MUSE · J Baetens · 2008-01-01
mixed 3.00

The review acknowledges the book's usefulness as a handbook for commercial typography but notes its serious flaws. It critiques the book's practical applications while recognizing its historical significance.

In this review, J Baetens discusses the dual nature of 'The New Typography' as both a groundbreaking and flawed work. They highlight its practical utility in reinventing commercial typography, which has had a lasting impact on the field. However, they also point out significant flaws, particularly in its theoretical consistency and practical applications. The reviewer suggests that while the book is an essential historical document, it requires careful reading and contextual understanding to fully appreciate its contributions.

Quick quotes

    The New Typography is not free of serious flaws.

    As a handbook, it has proven extremely useful for the reinvention of commercial typography.

    It requires careful reading and contextual understanding to fully appreciate its contributions.

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