The idea for this book was developed by my friend David Pankow and me when trying to come up with an idea for something to give to Hermann and Gudrun Zapf on their 90th birthdays. We thought it would be a nice project to have several friends of the Zapfs produce a book modeled on Hermann Zapf’s two Manuale Typographicums (1954 and 1968), with all-new arrangements using typefaces and texts by both Zapfs. In many ways the book follows the parameters of Hermann Zapf’s Manuale (same size, paper, colors and general binding style), but the typographic arrangements are entirely original. Six designers (Jerry Kelly: five pages and front matter; Dave Pankow: four pages and back matter; Rick Cusick: five pages; Jill Bell: two pages; Nancy Leo-Kelly: two pages; and Duyald Young: two pages) collaborated on this project, which was sent as a surprise birthday gift to the Zapfs.

How could we not include a book that so beautifully honors the work of Hermann Zapf and Gudrun Zapf von Hesse (with no type on the cover)?