The story of the alphabet

By Otto F. Ege

Book Overview

From clay marks to clean capitals, the alphabet is a human invention with a thrilling backstory. Letters carry civilisation's long memory. Otto F. Ege traces the history of the alphabet with a sharp eye for what survives on the page: the origins of alphabet letters, the evolution of letterforms, and the quiet leaps that turned sounds into signs. Part typography history booklet, part illustrated writing systems guide, it moves through ancient scripts and alphabets and on to the classical Greek alphabet and the Roman Latin alphabet, showing how tools, materials, and habit shaped the shapes we read every day. Clear, compact, and visually minded, it sits happily beside a calligraphy and lettering study, yet remains grounded in the broader history of typography. Ege writes as a seasoned bookman, and the result is more than a primer: it is a doorway into paleography for beginners and a practical typography textbook for students who want context behind strokes, serifs, and spacing. Collectors of language history and design will value its period voice and its lasting relevance, while curious readers will enjoy the sheer clarity of the story it tells about how writing became readable. Republished by Alpha Editions in a careful modern edition, this volume preserves the spirit of the original while making it effortless to enjoy today - a heritage title prepared for readers and collectors alike.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9389247012
• ISBN13: 9789389247015
• Release Date: June 2019
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 24 Pages
• Weight: 0.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.5" x 8.5"