The author believes that the only way to recognise successful typography is through informed, direct observation. It takes time, trial and error to know what works. This book provides a practical guide for beginners, presenting the basic principles and applications of typography with a series of exercises that help readers reach the point where they can understand and demonstrate the basic principles of typography.

John Kane teaches typography and graphic design at Northeastern University and at The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University. He has been a practicing graphic designer and teacher since the 1980s.