description Century Old Style Overview
Century Old Style is a classic serif typeface designed by Linn Boyd Benton and released by the American Type Founders company in 1908. It was created as a slightly narrower and more refined alternative to the earlier Century Roman, specifically engineered to provide exceptional legibility in long text blocks and magazine publishing. The typeface features strong vertical strokes and sturdy serifs that hold up well in continuous reading. It was later adapted for mechanical typesetting by Monotype and Linotype, ensuring its widespread availability.
insights Ranking position
Century Old Style ranks #54 of 170 in the Monotype ranking, behind Verdana, ahead of Ehrhardt.
balance Century Old Style Pros & Cons
- Highly readable text proportions
- Sturdy bracketed serifs
- Comfortable extended reading
- Warm traditional appearance
- Looks dated in modern interfaces
- Needs ample horizontal space
- Limited display impact
help Century Old Style FAQ
Who designed the Century Old Style typeface?
Century Old Style was designed by Linn Boyd Benton and released by the ATF (American Type Founders) company in 1908. Benton originally designed it as a heavier, more readable companion to the earlier Century Roman. It quickly became a staple in American publishing.
Why was Century Old Style created?
It was created to meet the demanding legibility requirements of high-speed magazine printing in the early 20th century. Linn Boyd Benton designed it to be sturdy and clear to prevent eye fatigue. This robustness made it a favorite for long text blocks and mass-market periodicals.
What are the defining visual characteristics of Century Old Style?
The typeface features a tall x-height, relatively short ascenders and descenders, and robust bracketed serifs. These specific design choices maximize legibility, making it easy to read even on poor-quality paper. It is a classic example of a Scotch Roman style adapted specifically for American publishers.
What was Linn Boyd Benton's contribution to typography?
Besides designing Century Old Style, Linn Boyd Benton was a mechanical genius who invented the pantographic engraving machine. This invention revolutionized type founding by allowing a single master design to be mechanically scaled to any point size. His technological innovations changed the mass production of fonts forever.
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