Looks like Univers to me.

no not that easy

I think the sample is not enought clear to say anything.

From the fuzzy sample, I agree with Dan, this looks like Univers 55.

EDIT: My apologies, I seem to have completely missed your question! :^/

It’s called ‘Compendium for Literates A System of Writing by Karl Gerstner’ published in 1972. English edition 74. I have the paperback version in fair condition, the cover is however falling off. Last week I recieved from a bookshop in the states the hardback edition which they stated was in good order. I don’t know the name for the style of binding but Compendium for Literates features pages that are folded in half to create the two sides of each page, so the book is twice the thickness with as many sides blank as are printed. Anyhow in the hardback they sent a previous owner had seporated each fold, so turn a page and you get two empty pages. I wasn’t happy and have request to send it back but as yet no response. If they don’t offer a refund I’ll be putting it on ebay with this clearly mentioned plus pictures. Perhaps hard to believe but I am a little obsesed with Karl Gerstner and truely did recieve it only last week. German edition was reprinted in 2000 or 2002 I can’t recall but is for sale new on ebay and I believe amazon.

The cover is black, it’s near square at roughly 6”x6” by 1” thick and is read by turning the pages up with the spine away from you. Published by MIT

A very good book, five chapters; Language and Writing, Craft, Picture, Function, Expression. Gerstner has tried to exhaustivly illustrate the ways in which words can be presented on a page. Hugely conservative by todays standards but still relevant.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KARL-GERSTNER-typography-swiss-graphic-design-import_W0QQitemZ4570687296QQcategoryZ378QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hope this has helped.

Yes yes yes! Thats it! A heartfelt thankyou!…and to all who tried.

Add it to the wiki!