Gordonated

More Penguins

Update from previous Penguin Related post.

This time, we enter the 1950’s of the Penguin era. Most of the books shown here were printed back then.

We can see that the horizontal grid, devised by Edward Young in about 1935 still stays. It used to be with the ever popular Bodoni Ultra Bold on the publishers name and the two alternatives of Gill Sans for the book title and authors name. The grid was later redrawn by Jan Tschichold in 1948 which did not introduce a new look but a modification/improvisation of the current.Tschichold also added a fine thin line as a border to the orange panels.

Well, I guess I am lucky enough to get one of the early 1950’s redesigned Pelicans. The frame, introduced also by Tschichold in about 1949. Eventough I don’t own one of those covers with illustrations on it, I do find the typeface, Gill Sans pleasing and easy on the eye on this one. Also, the rather bold idea of extracting some text describing its contents on its cover.

The Penguin Poets series, first appeared in 1941 featuring the italic Garamond for its authors name. The design was done by Jan Tschichold again back in 1954. (Seen on “Browning”)

“The Art of Marriage” & “Successful Living”, both covers designed by David Gentleman. Distinctive illustrations commissioned to fill the border space of the cover. Again, we notice the use of Gill Sans & extracts on what the book contains on the covers.

I have actually left all my Penguin Books in the office. I guess BOSS won’t mind if you guys pop in during our less busy periods to take a good look at them.

Enjoy.