MERLE ARMITAGE
NOTES ON MODERN PRINTING
From Notes on Modern Printing by Merle Armitage. Copyright 1945 by William E. Rudge's Sons. Reprinted by permission of author and publisher.
HOW DOES ONE DESIGN A BOOK? I CONCLUDE AS I BEGAN WITH A FEW GENERAL IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS:
1. Allow the subject of a book to determine its design and format.
2. Design a book for effortless reading, utilizing the format to enhance or interpret the text.
3. Use the prime materials—type, paper and space—to achieve your results. Meaningless decorations disclose the designer's poverty of invention.
4. Simplicity is the best policy.
5. Make no attempt to design every page ... let type and space have their natural rhythm.
6. Understand the text ... know your primary aims ... let form follow function.