Last Word

The contemporary educational setting at Archetype Press is not geared toward turning out letterpress printers; rather, it is an experimental typographic workshop in which students study the prototypes of digital letterforms. It exposes them not only to history, but also to the interpretive possibilities of communication by enhancing the students' ability to understand the relationship of language and imagery. After learning the rudiments of letterpress, the students participate in a collaborative book project. Each student contributes an individually designed page based on a single theme. Past publications have addressed the works of traditional and contemporary writers, language and typography, as well as relevant cultural and social issues. Last Word is a collection of last paragraphs, last lines or last words, printed en verso. In both editions, students were restricted to the use of hand-set foundry metal and wood type. Linoleum blocks, silk screens, photo engravings, photopolymer plates and foundry ornaments were used for illustrations. All books are available for purchase. Revenue from the sale of the books helps support future editions.