‘Yearbook Of Type’ Is An Overview Of Recently Published Typefaces

When I was growing up, I always anticipated the release of my school's yearbook. It might've been foreshadowing my future career, but there was something always so distinct about flipping through the pages designed by fellow students and sifting through the curated images of the past year.

While I no longer receive a yearbook from school, I was giddy with excitement when I learned about the Yearbook of Type. Like the ones from my past, this yearbook has a theme; this year's being the theme of music as music conveys emotions through tunes and lyrics, typography does so through its form and balance of letters. This book is an index that lists typefaces by classifications, besides listing designers, foundries, and OpenType features.

Just because I'm not young enough to get a yearbook from school, I'm thankful to find the same joy through a different version.

It’s great to see that more people than ever understand how important typography is. The choice of a typeface and the design of a text can have a dramatic impact on its meaning. Typefaces don’t need words to convey a message. The responsibility for graphic designers in choosing the right typeface is therefore crucial. But how do you find the right typeface in the infinite universe of possibilities? The Yearbook of Type 2021/22 makes it easy to get an overview of recently published typefaces from around the world while understanding their visual language.

Each typeface is presented on a double-page spread. On the left side, a specimen gives an idea of possible applications and shows the beauty and character of each typeface. This year’s theme is music. As music conveys emotions through melodies and lyrics, typography does so through its form and balance of letters. The right page provides detailed information about the designers and foundries, as well as an overview of the typefaces’ features.

The Yearbook of Type is complemented by a series of essays that offer background information about typography, history, technical details and how-to guides, and the latest trends in current type design. An index sorts typefaces by classifications, besides listing designers, foundries, and OpenType features. Last but not least, an online microsite presents all featured fonts, so that users can test or purchase them.

A microsite online links the typefaces directly to the foundries’ websites