The History of Type

Chronologies 1: The History of Type Production and Distribution

This lecture was a basic introduction to type and language, their origins, usages and how they have changed over time. It all linked back to the overall idea that language is negotiated, an agreed upon set of definitions within a group of people; the decision that one thing will stand for another. In relation to this, type is what language looks like. It is the visual representation of language and communication, and is used in an infinite number of ways for effect, altering the way language is read and interpreted but with the main focus on communication. This falls into the category of typography, however, being defined as the 'art and technique of printing with moveable type; the composition of printed material from moveable type; the arrangement and appearance of printed matter', whereas type is simply the actual letters, symbols and glyphs used to represent language.

Type has been unmistakably useful in documenting history, acting as a physical and visual record of language and communication throughout time. The story within these records has helped piece together history, from the first ever uses of type. 'The written word endures....the spoken word disappears'; type is the translation of spoken word into written and without it, a lot in history would have been lost due to the temporary and fleeting nature of audible words.