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In a former post we talked about history of symbols. Now, in order to proceed our historical article series, we’re going to learn more about handwritten type and its evolution. From handwriting to printed type. It’s interesting to think how hard was it to write a book in days of old.

The scribes were the main piece for any publication. Imagine how much time was spent to literally write a book, writing word by word, using drawing ornaments and simple tools. The old handwritten type is so important that even today there are lots of computer fonts that simulates them. Now see how it evolved from drawings in clay to beautiful handwritten typography.

Cuneiform – 3100 BC

It was the first writing system, using clay tablets as basis for writing. In the beginning pictograms was used, then they became simplified symbols, written from left to right. Also, first they had about 1000 characters converted in 400. The signs were deciphered in the 19th century.

Hieroglyphics – 2613-2160 BC

The term means “sacred carving” in Greek. They were largely used by Egyptians in tombs, as a way to connect the dead to the divine world. The system used rebus and phonetic characters, generally recognizable in form, sometimes stylized and simplified.

Early Greek – 5th Century BC

The Greek alphabet was probably derived from Phoenician with some modifications. The first record of Greek writing is from 1400 BC, what makes it one of the oldest living languages. Greek characters have been used till nowadays in other languages in areas like mathematics, astronomy, philosophy and others.

Early Roman Lapidary – 2nd Century BC

Similar to the Greek alphabet, it had no serifs and simple trace. Words were separated by dots.

Classical Roman Lapidary – 1st Century AD

Finally serifs are born. There’s a theory saying that serifs were originated due to a technicality, that they were just a way to prevent the stone from splintering in the end of the letter. Below there’s the famous Trajan inscription from 113 AD.

Roman Capitals – 1st Century AD

They were a way to recreate the graved letters in stone, keeping its characteristics.

Uncials- 5th Century AD

It’s characterized by simple and rounded strokes, only using capitals, that later constituted minuscule letters. It was largely used in Christian and other writing works.

Half Uncials – 6th Century AD

It was the first use of minuscule letters (also derived from Roman cursive) using four guidelines, ascenders and descenders.

Carolingian Minuscule – 8th Century (789)-1100’s

It was an evolution on the half uncial, used in Charlemagne’s empire as a way to unify his reign, being recognized in different regions. It was more legible, uniform and disciplined.

Blackletter – 12-15th Centuries

With Charlemagne’s death came a new calligraphy, more condensed and heavy, also called Gothic script or Gothic minuscule. As the number of university increased, it had a larger use, not only for Christian works. Blackletter has four basic styles: textura, rotunda, bastarda and cursive.

Renaissance humanism – Lettera Antiqua

Two forms of letters were revived, based on the “antique” Roman models: Lettera Antiqua formata (formal) and Lettera Antiqua corsiva (informal).

The universal penman – 1741

It was another mark for calligraphy and writing, a publication by George Bickham compiling the best specimens of 24 great calligraphers by that time. A full book of Copperplate style, containing 275 letter speciments, 19 complete alphabets and many beautiful ornaments. The publication parts were joint and it’s sold until nowadays.

Now you see that many of the fonts you have installed in your computer are based in the antique handwriting. The part II of this article will show the transition from handwritten to printed type and how it has affected society. See you there, but while that, check the links for further information and our sources.

• Design History
• Textism
• Blackletter
• German Plaza – The Universal Penman
• Roman script/lettera antica
• Trajan’s column

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Related posts:

1. The evolution type – Part II: Printed type
2. 20 Nice Free Handwritten Fonts
3. Digital Revolution in Graphic Design
4. Fonts 101 – Tips, categories, tools, tutorials and more

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