Hand Job A Catalog of Type

Many reviewers express immense enjoyment and strong praise for the book, frequently describing it as "awesome," "amazing," "so good," and even a "bible" for hand lettering enthusiasts. It is widely celebrated as a fantastic resource and a rich source of inspiration for hand lettering, custom typography, and hand-drawn fonts, helping readers break out of creative ruts. Reviewers highlight its beautiful, vibrant design and high-quality prints, showcasing a vast range of styles from bold and wide to thin, italic, abstract, and whimsical. The curation is highly regarded, with many noting its timeless appeal despite its age, and appreciating the celebration of handmade type, sometimes likened to painting after photography. It is seen as a "must-have" for artists, illustrators, and typography lovers.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some reviewers noted areas for improvement. A recurring suggestion was the desire for more insight into the process and development of typefaces, rather than focusing solely on application. One reviewer felt the showcased range of hand lettering, while varied, did not include enough sophisticated scripts or calligraphy, leaning more towards funny, whimsical, or "crazy" styles. Additionally, one reviewer explicitly stated a dislike for the book's title, and another suggested the inclusion of a brief section on design theory and font history would enhance the content. It is also noted that the book functions more as a catalog of examples than a "how-to" guide for creating type.

Overall, this book is considered an exceptional and highly valuable reference piece, brimming with inspiration for anyone interested in hand-drawn type. It serves as a top-notch showcase of creative and inspiring material, beautifully curated and presented. The book would particularly appeal to graphic designers, illustrators, artists, and students seeking diverse examples of hand-lettering styles, a spark for creativity, or a reminder of the artistic merit of handmade craft. It is best enjoyed as a visual encyclopedia to be scoured, studied, and revisited for ongoing inspiration, rather than a linear read-through or a practical instruction manual.