This book is not only Goudy's autobiography, but it is the most complete record to date of his typographic contribution, which has had a major worldwide effect. First published in 1946 as one of the Typophile Chapbooks XIII and XIV, entitled A HALF-CENTURY OF TYPE DESIGN AND TYPOGRAPHY, this second edition is available as the student and professional typographer's working tool, as well as a work of insight into Goudy's designs.
Goudy begins his work with how he entered the world of type design, chronicling his introduction to lettering as a boy, and then moving on to his early years. He then follows by describing each of his typefaces, over 100 of them are included, along with a story behind their design. Many of the stories are accompanied by type specimens, mostly in full or in part. Slight changes from the Typophiles edition are listed in a separate section. An index of the types and a bibliography of Goudy's writings are also included.