Garamond

/ˈɡærəmɒnd/ noun

Definition

A group of serif typefaces named after 16th-century French type designer Claude Garamond, characterized by elegant proportions and high readability.

Etymology

Named after Claude Garamond (c. 1480-1561), a French type designer and punch-cutter. The original Garamond typefaces were based on earlier Italian designs, but Garamond refined them into what became the foundation for most Old Style serif fonts used today.

Kelly Says

Garamond is often called the most readable typeface ever created, and it's so efficient that NASA uses it to save ink costs on printed materials. What's remarkable is that most 'Garamond' fonts today aren't actually based on Claude Garamond's work, but on designs by his contemporary Jean Jannon - a case of mistaken typographic identity that persisted for centuries.

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