Eben:

I’m assuming you know the little book called “The Centaur Types” by Bruce Rogers? Chicago: October House, 1949. Maybe this has some of that info on alternate sorts? I recall that in one part it talks about—I think—some alternate uppercase sorts For the Montaigne type that was Centaur’s precursor.

I’m not sure where you can get this book. A few years ago a bunch of copies came on the market. Maybe through APHA. I’d reckon some libraries with good holdings about type would have it. There was also an even smaller book about that type published by I cannot recall whom; sorry. Both of mine, like most of my type books, are buried away. I need a few hundred feet of new bookshelves in this old house.

powers

Thanks Will!

I think I have seen “The Centaur Types”. I don’t recall any pre-centaur stuff in it but I may not be correct.

I ceratainly know what you mean about shelves! And I just put in about 100 extra feet.

BTW, there is a fairly new book called “Humane Letters: Bruce Rogers - Designer of Books and Artist” which may have information about it as well.

I suppose it may depend on whether or not we consider the Montaigne type to be “pre-Centaur” or not. There was a set of different caps cut for its use at the Metropolitan museum and its Press.

But maybe when you say “alternative glyphs” maybe you mean something beyond just alt caps at a different size.

Good luck with this.

powers

Even, do you mean Bruce Rogers : A Life in Letters by Joseph Blumenthal? I have a copy. It’s been a while since I read it. I can look later for some information for you. What exactly are you looking for — a history of the different castings? alternate characters? pre-cursors?

— K.