Stephenson Blake

"In 1818, three skilled craftsmen set up in business as typefounders in the provincial town of Sheffield in Yorkshire. Little did they realize that they were establishing a family business that would one day dominate the British typefounding industry." "From their early success grew an obsession - to lead, dominate, and finally absorb the remaining English typefounders." "However, the achievement of that aim represented a Pyrrhic victory. The beginning of the end was already being marked by the development, in the late 1880s, of mechanical typesetting systems which subsequently broke the traditional typefounders and the near-monopoly of the Typefounders Association cartel - the infamous Ring." "This is an account of how Stephenson, Blake became in its heyday the most significant typefounder and printers' equipment supplier in Britain and the Commonwealth. Although the quality of type produced was of the highest order, the design of many of the typefaces issued often left much to be desired. Typographical novelty and fashion, particularly in the late nineteenth century, took precedence over good design. However, Stephenson, Blake's type, renowned for its quality and durability, sold well and typefounding proved to be a profitable business." "The rise of Stephenson, Blake spans five generations and many innovations. How the firm met the challenges is a fascinating read. This account of the last of the Old English Typefounding Companies belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in typographical or printing history and Britain's great manufacturers."--BOOK JACKET.