description Monotype Garamond Overview
Monotype Garamond is an old-style serif typeface released in 1922, based on the types of 17th-century French punchcutter Jean Jannon. The Monotype Corporation originally marketed the design as a revival of Claude Garamond's work, a misconception that persisted until later scholarly research confirmed Jannon as the true source. The typeface features a tall x-height and bracketed serifs, making it a common choice for book typography and body text.
help Monotype Garamond FAQ
Why is Monotype Garamond not actually based on Claude Garamond's type?
The model used for the 1922 revival was historically misidentified when Monotype developed it. It is now attributed to Jean Jannon, who cut the underlying types in the early 17th century.
Who was Jean Jannon?
Jean Jannon was a French printer and punchcutter whose small, sharp old-style types appeared around 1615. His work was later confused with Claude Garamond's 16th-century designs.
What visual character distinguishes Monotype Garamond?
It has old-style stress, lively calligraphic forms, and relatively crisp, compact lowercase letters. The result often appears more mannered and sharply articulated than revivals based directly on Garamond's punches.
Is Monotype Garamond the same design as Adobe Garamond?
No. Monotype Garamond follows Jean Jannon's work, while Robert Slimbach based Adobe Garamond on surviving types associated with Claude Garamond and Robert Granjon.
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