Typophiles Monograph: New Series No. 27

Type Revivals gives the history of type revivals and explores their place in modern type design. By examining some of the earliest type revivals, the definition of a true type revival emerges: it is an adaptation of an old typeface for current production and use, not merely a rote reproduction. With this definition in mind, the book shows that even while brand new fonts were being developed, typographers were in the habit of looking back to old designs for inspiration, especially between 1915 and 1990, the "golden age of type revivals." Even during this golden age, the book explains, many typographers experienced difficulty reviving old typefaces. Some problems they faced were incorrectly attributed fonts, poor specimen sheets, and varied character sizes. In spite of these problems, type revivals continue to occur, and, as the book argues, will keep happening as long as new fonts are made.

In the margins, there are some revived types presented with the original types they were based on.