Proper? I don't know if I'd use this word. What is the use? Book? Lead-in paragraph? Call Out? Pull quote?

For a book, I'd say no, but then again, it depends upon the face you are using.

I am using Century Book Condensed and its being used for body text. columns of body text. in an annual report.

Because of the crispness of this face, perhaps it would be less appropriate (readable) at small sizes. But, for an annual report... one must pause. :-} Maybe you could use century book for the text at 11 or 12 pt. (too big???) and lead in paragraphs bigger in the book condensed. Only suggestions. I do like this face.

Century Book Condensed's darkish color and generous x-height make it good for small text, but its narrowness doesn't... I think it's better for titling, where horizontal savings matter a lot. So consider something wider (unless you happen to have narrow columns).

On the other hand, narrowness (which implies tallness) does convey a certain aura of class, which is probably good for your annual report.

So assuming you don't have too much text to put in there, maybe try a lighter weight of Century Condensed, at a somewhat large size.

hhp

Thank you Tiffany for helping me. Is there a book resource you would recommend for a newbie typesetter that specifically explains the type rules and layout (besides Bringhurst's books). My friend from Germany has told me of a great German book on typesetting and layout. But I do not read German.

My friend from Germany has told me of a great German book on typesetting and layout. But I do not read German.

If your friend is talking about Der Typographische Raster/The Typographic Grid by Hans Rudolph Bosshard, the text is in both German and English. I do not have this one yet, but it's on my list. It's available from Nijhof & Lee.

Try The Complete Manual of Typography by James Felici. I think everything's in there. Read the thread at Typographi.ca