CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 10/25/2019

Woody Leslie and Chloë Bass to launch 'H.F. Henderson: Understanding Molecular Typography' at Printed Matter

Friday, November 1 from 6–8 PM, Printed Matter presents the launch of H.F. Henderson: Understanding Molecular Typography, published by Ugly Duckling Presse. Molecular typography is the study of the chemical and biological underpinnings of type. Woody Leslie has spent nearly five years researching this obscure corner of science where biochemistry meets typography, culminating in a reprint of H.F. Henderson’s seminal work. The basics of molecular typography will be explained through lecture and diagrams, followed by an analysis of the ramifications of living type in our daily lives and a Q & A.

H.F. Henderson: Understanding Molecular Typography, an artist’s book by Woody Leslie, introduces readers to the lost science of molecular typography, the study of the chemical and physical underpinnings of letters. According to molecular typography, all characters are formed from seven basic atomic building blocks: typtoms. These typtoms come together in various combinations to form letters, numbers and punctuation. Typtoms are not just theoretical tools for exploring the anatomy of type, but actual particles.

Leslie brings readers a reprint of the seminal 1992 textbook, H.F. Henderson: Understanding Molecular Typography. Part primer, part field guide, the book makes the science of molecular typography accessible to readers. It lays out the basic principles of the field, followed by detailed diagrams of the molecular formation of type. A conclusion sums up the field to date, and a comprehensive bibliography provides valuable reference for the reader looking to learn more.

Printed Matter
'Understanding Molecular Typography' book launch
Friday, November 1 from 6-8 PM
231 Eleventh Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets
Phone: 212-925-0325
Email: orders@printedmatter.org