“The Origins of Type and Typography,”

1) The introduction of our textbook, “The Origins of Type and Typography,”
focuses on the development of typography. In what country might we say typography
was “born?” From what countries were other early innovators in the field? What are some
of the characteristics that distinguish the typographic styles of different countries? How
was typography influenced by the political or intellectual climate in particular regions? 2)
Chapter 1: Discuss the development of the photograph in the 19th century. Who were
some of the pioneers of the field? What role did images—photographic or illustrated—
play in politics and in helping voters to make decisions? How were these images
reproduced and disseminated to the public at large? How do images of candidates affect
your own decisions at the polls? 3) Chapter 2 focuses on a new style that emerged in a
new culture. Avant-garde images of this era often feature scandalous figures or activities
associated with urban “night life.” In some cases, even everyday subject matter became
controversial because of a radical new approach to form. Discuss some of the posters
created by these rabble-rousing designers. For what entities did they design and through
what publications did their designs reach a general populous? How did these works
appeal to their turn-of-the-century audience?