TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
>Begging the question: How does a hard working, no freetime, techwriter
>aquire typographic literacy? Anyboy got an idea?
I recommend:
_The Elements of Typographic Style_, by Robert Bringhurst, 1992,
Hartley & Marks, ISBN 0-88179-033-8 (pbk), 254 pp.
This book also provides some historical context for book design and page
layout. I don't see how a practicing technical writer could outgrow
this book, short of obtaining a degree in fine arts.
Here is the Table of Contents:
Foreword
Historical Synopsis
1 The Grand Design
2 Rhythm & Proportion
3 Harmony & Counterpoint
4 Structural Forms & Devices
5 Analphabetic Symbols
6 Choosing & Combining Type <------+
7 Historical Interlude |
8 Shaping the Page <------+
9 Finishing Touches |
10 Prowling the Specimen Books +--- Very helpful
Appendix A: Sorts & Characters |
B: Glossary of Terms <------+
C: Further Reading <------+
D: Status of Digital Faces
Index
Communicate well and prosper,
Paul Sholar ( pks -at- gensym -dot- com )
Sr. Technical Writer
Gensym Corporation
Cambridge, Massachusetts
