Designed in 1798 by Giambattista Bodoni, the serif font Bodoni drew inspiration from elements of the English typeface Baskerville and the French typeface Didot, with the result widely-regarded as one of the most influential and easily-recognized typefaces in history.

Giambattista has been called "the father of modern type" and the typeface Bodoni is at once modern and traditional. A study in contrasts, the extreme variance between thick and thin strokes lends boldness and body to the typeface.

Bodoni has been used in everything from 18th century Italian books to 1960s periodicals, and early versions of the typeface are still used for fine book printing. Popular for poster use, it has graced diverse ad campaigns from Mamma Mia! to Nirvana.

This graceful illustrated volume comprehensively explores the broad scope of experimental and creative design ideas that have been realized using Bodoni.