Maybe the text could point you in a direction. What face would be right for the text?

I for one don't have a single favorite font that can work optimally for all kinds of books.

What is the book about?
How long is it?
Illustrations? What kind? In what proportion to the text?
How important is readability versus economy here?
At least.

hhp

It's a book on Christian discipleship. I'm more into readability over economy. Looks like it will be in the 200-225 pages range.

Centaur?

Galliard, perhaps with Mantinia for titling. As Hrant and James have indicated, the project (book) itself should lead you. In addition to what Hrant has listed, consider also the market/audience.

> consider also the market/audience.

Yes, very important! Duh on me.

hhp

Dante seems to be popular with the Catholic press.

It's a very nice book face that was used for Crossing the Threshold of Hope, by Pope John Paul II.

I like Galliard very much, I�m sick of Times and a bit bored of all the Garamond - Sabon - Dante like fonts.

There is a certain number of fonts which I would like to see printed but have never seen them in print so I can�t really tell if they are favourites or not. The list includes Vend�me, Tyfa, Ruse, Elzevir and many others.

If you do opt for Galliard, I would highly recommend purchasing the Carter & Cone version with small caps, oldstyle figures, fractions, alternates, etc. -- essential in my opinion for first-rate book typography.

Available from FontShop for $149....

http://www.fontshop.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.fontpackage&displayfontid=CA.6675.0.0

Aaron,

I agree with Hrant and others, different projects, needs differnet typefaces. Some personal favourites for books though;

DELICATO � http://www.macrhino.com
WHITMAN � http://www.fonbureau.com
LEYDEN � http://www.psyops.com
PROFORMA � http://www.fonbureau.com

Good luck!

For a religious book, but not a sacred text, and for an American audience, I would consider some of Goudy's faces, such as Berkeley and Goudy Old Style. These bring a warmth and personal touch you may want, depending on the nature of the text. If you decide on Goudy Old Style, I think P22 will probably soon reissue Lanston's version with the full descenders, which will probably be nicer.

It's cool to see what typefaces everyone enjoys.

Thanks.

I was going to recommend Goudy for religious texts as well! I think it comes from the family bible being printed in Goudy, it's an automatic association for me.
And how did you know that "P22 will probably soon reissue Lanston's version with the full descenders"? have you been peering over my shoulders? ;^) It should come out with the next issue of Lanston fonts in April, I believe.

>> I've used Bembo at 9/13.5 >>

If you are, as you say, "into readability," 9-point Bembo is entirely too small. It's about right for footnotes . . .

Charlwa