If it's a typeface that's on MyFonts and released sometime since march 2000 you can always scroll throug these pages...

is there a good central internet database of typefaces that you can search based on various criteria? If not, there should be...

What do you think of Global Type?

It has some good features, e.g. you can search for fonts released in, say, 1977.

yeah, something like this but more complete. this doesn't seem to be very up to date...

They are looking for volunteers!

Global Type:
I would be glad to help about Italy (and what I know).
Do you know the curators?

Yes, I do know them, but I am not involved in the project directly myself. The work is spear-headed by Lars Kähler in Lübeck. You can contact him via the e-mail address on this page here. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you!

Thanks Dan!
I have written to him… :=)