Cast It is an annual journal typeset in fonts by CAST (the Cooperativa Anonima Servizi Tipografici), an independent digital type foundry based in Bolzano, Italy.

Issue 4 presents Fournier’s preface to Modéles de caracteres de l’imprimerie (1742) followed by Harry Carter’s 1930 English version, with annotations by James Mosley in 1995. The works are introduced with preface by Sébastien Morlighem.

In 1736, the French engraver and typefounder Fournier le jeune (1712-1768) began producing new typefaces in his foundry in Paris. Six years later, he published the type specimen book Modéles de caracteres including a “Notice to lovers of printing,” republished in this issue. In the0 text, Fournier traces the history of typography by talking about his most famous colleagues and those who preceded him. He describes his aesthetic choices, explains his system of point measurement of typefaces and delves into his reasoning for why there is a need to produce them in new bodies. He concludes by pledging to improve his typefaces and the quality of French printing.

Edited by James Clough, Massimo Gonzato, and Riccardo Olocco

Designed by Esterson Associates

Published by Lazy Dog and CAST, 2020
Original text presented in French, with preface, translation, and Mosley's notes in English

Softcover, 48 pages, saddle-stitch binding, 1-color printing, 6.5 × 9.5 inches

ISSN: 2531-765