We love Berlin: the typographic richness of the city in a must-own book

“As with most cities, Berlin has gone through numerous distinct eras in which certain typestyles and materials were especially popular. With the exception of some stone carving, much of what is visible in Berlin dates from after the second world war, and in order to get a sense of what the typographic character of the city was like in, say, the 1920s one is really limited to looking at old photographs. Neon was especially popular during the post-War economic recovery, and the older neon signs that survive conjure the curious optimism of that era” said Jesse Simon, director of the Berlin Typography Project to Typeroom.

Now his wandering eye is published in a must-own book rich in typography made in Berlin.

From neoclassical monuments to neon storefronts, Berlin is filled with beautiful typography. Over the past few years, the Berlin Typography project has been photographing the city’s best examples of typography, both to celebrate the diversity of letterforms and to preserve its typographic heritage before the old signs of this rapidly changing city are removed and replaced.

This book collects the best of these images and shows how walking through Berlin can be like a stroll through a living art gallery–if you’re willing to look. Complete with over 200 full-color illustrations, this book showcases the typographic richness of Berlin, including its elaborate, ostentatious shopfront signs, the non-commercial typography of public buildings such as libraries and universities, and the fantastic array of type styles used on street signs and in the city’s public transport system.

The book also includes an introduction to the history of typography in Berlin as well as a look to its future. The book’s captions locate each image within the city. Perfect for graphic designers or lovers of Berlin, this mesmerizing book effortlessly illustrates the role typography plays in our experience of the city.

Get your own copy here and read Typeroom's interview here.