NOT MY TYPE

Sometimes when I finish reading a book (something you probably never do), I'll see a note at the end that rambles on about the damn typeface.

"This book was set in Janson, a typeface long thought to have been made by the Dutchman, Anton Janson, who was a practicing type founder in Leipzig during the years 1666-1682."

Well now, isn't that riveting? 1666? Perhaps I can work that Leipzig bit into a conversation with the guys at Hank's Bar and Grille, or maybe at my next high school reunion.

Who gives a baboon's butt about the typeface? Oh maybe some type designers might be intrigued. I can imagine them discussing it in a café over a second bottle of wine.

"Instead of Janson, I think the book would have been a better read had it been set in Clarendon Condensed or Helvetica Extended."

And the other bozo chimes in, "Not enough distinction or nobility – and in both cases, the descenders lack conviction."

A contemplative pause follows and wino #2 adds: "If they had set it in Baskerville or Bodoni … this book could have been an effing best seller."

@#$%*@

IF YOU HAVE ANY FRIENDS AT ALL, SHARE THIS WITH THEM.