Goudy's "I am Type!"

Maxim Zhukov20 October 2005 · 18:17

I am trying to find a reference to the first publication of Goudy’s The Type Speaks. I wonder if anybody knows. Was it originally published by Lanston Monotype Co. in Philadelphia? If so, when? One good reference I have here is, The Type Speaks, by Frederic W. Goudy (Chicago/Utica, NY: Black Cat Press, 1937; 93 copies, hand-set by Howard Coggeshall and Norman W Forgue and printed at HC’s press. 5 x 7 1/2 in., 8-page string-tied booklet). Also, The Type Speaks, by Frederic W. Goudy (Washington: The Press of the Three Bears, 1938). But that’s about it...

wilson21 October 2005 · 06:36

amazon.com lists one from 1933, as if it would ever be available...

“Hey, Keep San Antonio Lame!”

Maxim Zhukov21 October 2005 · 07:53

Would you be so kind as to send me the link. Thanks in advance.

kegler21 October 2005 · 11:24

According to to Bruckner (Frederic Goudy (Masters of American Design) Harry N Abrams 1990), it was first printed in 1931 and later in several formats and typefaces. There is an illustration of one version from 1933 printed as a keepsake for the AIGA. It allegedly was Goudy’s favorite broadside.

Maxim Zhukov21 October 2005 · 11:47

Thank you Richard. So 1931 was the date of the original publication. By whom? By Lanston Monotype Co. in Philadelphia? What does your book say?

kegler21 October 2005 · 12:25

It doesn’t say, but I would guess it was at the Village Press. I don’t know of a Lanston printing of this.

Maxim Zhukov21 October 2005 · 12:56

The Lanston edition is mentioned here, without date.

kegler21 October 2005 · 13:07

I see. Looks like a limited edition for the portfolio. The Cary Collection at RIT may have some more info on this.