First edition thus, limited to 390 copies. (Ransom no.17, Haas 143; AIGA 361). Designed by Bruce Rogers and printed by William Edwin Rudge. First edition in English of this landmark 16th century book on the formation of letters presented in a beautiful illustrated format by Bruce Rogers. With three different sections: Reform of the French Languague, Treatise on Letter Proportions and Letter Designs Based on the Human Face and Body, and Abcedaire on the Construction of Letters. Includes type specimens of other letter styles as a supplement. This is one of the most important examples of the design work of Rogers and he considered it one of his favorite "30". One of only ten books to use the Centaur type designed by Bruce Rogers.

Plain dust jacket. Light edge wear, else a near fine copy without the slipcase.

The typography is by the notable American book designer Bruce Rogers (1870-1957), who "was appreciated in his lifetime. In addition to several honorary degrees, in 1948 he was awarded a gold medal from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for distinction in the graphic arts. Over decades of accomplishment in which he designed approximately 500 books... Rogers literally defined the profession of book designing in the United States" (ANB).