They Couldn't Identify Type in 1760—We Still Can't Today

In 1760, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to his friend John Baskerville.

Baskerville was an artist, printer and creator of the type bearing his name. Franklin visited Birmingham frequently, staying with Baskerville. They shared the same year of birth and a professional interest in type and books. Baskerville's type had greater contrast of line widths, thinner serifs, and a lighter feel. He then wet the paper before printing and pressed the metal type and its ink into the paper. His styles were met with criticism, and many claimed they were difficult to read and even caused blindness.

In his letter to Baskerville, Benjamin Franklin reported that he had tested one critic by referring to a Caslon type sample as a "Baskerville" type sample.

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About Frank Romano

Frank Romano has spent over 60 years in the printing and publishing industries. Many know him best as the editor of the International Paper Pocket Pal or from the hundreds of articles he has written for publications from North America and Europe to the Middle East to Asia and Australia. Romano lectures extensively, having addressed virtually every club, association, group, and professional organization at one time or another. He is one of the industry's foremost keynote speakers. He continues to teach courses at RIT and other universities and works with students on unique research projects.