From Serif to Script: A Glossary of Typography
When you pick up a book, your experience is shaped by more than just the words on the page. There's an invisible art at work – typography. It's the visual framework that presents the author's voice, guiding your eye and setting the tone before you even read the first sentence.
Done well, typography enhances readability and draws the reader deeper into the story. Done poorly, it creates friction, making reading a chore regardless of the content's brilliance.
Typography is far more than simply selecting a font from a dropdown menu. It's a critical blend of art and science that impacts legibility, tone, professionalism, and the overall reader experience.
Today, let's look at the common terms you need to know when talking about the words on your pages.
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These terms are just the beginning.
For a deeper dive into the art and science of typography—including practical guidance on choosing, pairing, and applying fonts in book design—explore our Beyond the Font live trainings. They cover everything from type anatomy and spacing fundamentals to advanced layout strategies, font licensing, and expressive typography.
If you found this glossary helpful, you’ll find even more insights and actionable tips in the full program.
