Caslon
William Caslon’s robust roman, which dominated English printing in the 18th century.
William Caslon based his types on Dutch models but made them clearer. His specimen of 1734 showed type in many sizes, and it became standard in Britain and the colonies.
The typeface went out of fashion around 1800 but enjoyed a revival in the 1840s. It has since existed in many digital versions.
Materials: Cast metal type
Manufacture: Cut and cast at Caslon’s foundry in London; the specimen sheet of 1734 showed the full range.
Moderate contrast and an angled stress.
Strong serifs and an A with a cupped apex.
A slightly uneven rhythm, since each size was cut separately.