Short Letterpress Documentary (Wonderful)

what typeface is that 'Q' in the beginning!?!? that was the most beautiful Q ive ever seen

god when will these old hacks accept computers and accept that there IS a proper way to do this by computer. Setting type in Adobe Illustrator is still an art form in itself. I HATE old traditionalists beating and slamming the new. For the new is what shapes this art form, graphic design. SO DIE YOU OLD F*CK. DIE

If you do not understand letterpress type setting you can never be a typographer. Just because you can do it on screen doesnt make it any better or worse. Setting type on screen is not an art form if you do not understand the rules of typography. The computer doesnt do it for you. It doesnt auto kern your letters etc.

A single unit of type is a sort, make sure you keep enough on hand or you will be....out....of....sorts. OH SNAP! Who is the narrator? Sounds like buzz killington.

haha Buzz Killington! Best.

On one hand I think the lettertype process is fantastic, the machinery is neat, and the photography is well done. There was a minor fact checking issue (it's an alloy called linotype, not lead, most likely)

On the other hand; the ridiculous enunciation of the narrator makes him sound like a pompous fool, and takes away from the presentation significantly. It's really too bad.

"...people will no longer remember how to do it...." Well calligraphy is stil with us, so perhaps not.

Certainly good for fast communications and volume, such as newspapers and magazines, but books are another matter. Although, some of the older newspapers contained beautiful color art work, which is collectible today.

I think now with more people downloading books and magazines and the talk of "the end of printed books" it is being forgotten that books are not just information, they are art. I could never replace the human experience of holding a printed book in my hands with the artificial one of staring at a lighted screen.

I agree. And, I wouln't want to rely on any technology that can 'burn' books with the turn of a switch or pull of a plug. Nothing like having the real thing!