Word

– Out of Print –

Peter Mark Roget wrote his first list of synonyms in 1805 for himself as an aid to more lively writing and lecturing. After a lifetime as a biologist interested in classification systems, Roget expanded his rudimentary list starting in 1848. He attempted to organize all thought into classes: abstract relations, space, matter, intellect, volition, and affections. Roget’s Thesaurus was finally published in 1852. His original strategy was for readers to search for useful words through related ideas within the classification system. Most people who use the thesaurus don’t know about this aspect of its use, so we thought it would be a good touchstone to generate ideas for our texts. Our keen interest in visual typography led us to invite Ron King of Circle Press and artist Sam Winston from England to give a joint Frederic W. Goudy Lecture during the Spring semester. Inspired by the workshop and presentation, the fourteen visually talented students and their instructor explored many different ways that type could reflect the way we speak. Then they wrote and produced this hefty, limited edition book printed by letterpress on four Vandercook presses. The front and back matter were fancifully set in 12pt. Gill Sans. The opacity and printability of the Softwhite Somerset Book 175 gsm paper appealed to the students. Imagery emerged directly from the type cases rather than from the usual linoleum blocks. The evocative leaf between sections was chosen for its translucency and colorful visual qualities. It was made in the Philippines from finely spun fibers. The spine of the seventeen signatures exposes the copper-colored thread sewn over Tyvek-reinforced tapes attached to the black Japanese bookcloth cover. This book measures 9.75 x 6.5 inches; 94 copies were printed.

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