Ornamental type may be used to good purpose in fancy jobs, and without
violating any of the canons of a correct taste. The universal eye is
pleased with ornament; and it is well to foster this fancy, just as we
cultivate a poetical feeling, or a passion for music, or flowers, or any
beautiful thing that God has made. But, as life should not be all music,
or flowers, or poetry, so printing should not be all ornament. And as
men whom nature puts in the fore-front of all other men are noted for a
becoming simplicity of life and style, so the title-page that heralds
all the inner pages of a book should be printed in a style of elegance
severe and unadorned: no fancy type, except a line of Scribe Text, or
Old English,—no italics, unless perchance a single-line motto in Pearl
caps,—no bold-face type, nor Antique, nor Gothic,—but plain, clear,
light-faced letters that seem the embodiment of the soul of thought.
All experienced printers incline to this simple style; but publishers
sometimes interfere with this province of art legitimate only to a
typographer, and insist on the indulgence of a taste which certainly
owes no allegiance to any of the laws of beauty; and the printer or
stereotyper who executes the book receives credit for a title-page which
he would fain utterly repudiate.
We add a few hints which may assist the learner. 1st. Having divided
the title into lines, and decided upon the size of type suitable for
the principal one, begin by composing those of the second and third
class, both in ascending and descending order. 2d. Avoid having two
lines of equal length to follow or come in contact with each other. 3d.
Catch-words should be set on quite a reduced scale, and proportioned
according to the strength of the preceding and succeeding lines; for bold
catch-words detract from the general effect of the title. 4th. Close
attention should be given to those title-pages which are acknowledged to
be displayed with true taste and judgment.
Authors should endeavour to make their title-pages as concise as
possible; for a crowded title can never be displayed with elegance or
taste.