Previous editions are cited in Books for college libraries, 3d ed. Updike's classic work, originally published by Harvard U. Press in 1922 and last updated in 1962, remains a bible to those studying typography. "It is virtually impossible to read any subsequent studies on the history of typography which do not contain references to Updike's work," the preface to this fourth edition notes. Volume I discusses the Latin alphabet, the invention of printing, the cutting and casting of types, and European types to the 18th century. Volume II continues the discussion of European types to the 19th century and also considers American types, choice of type, and the industrial conditions of the past and their relationship to problems of printers. Plentifully illustrated. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)