The reasons for the improvisation were far less ambitious than the status the typeface has gained. I was looking to add in our offerings a 'useful' but 'readable' display face. Apparently I achieved that and then some. This face has seen success for the printing of poetry books, wedding invitations and found itself on the silver screen as movie credit lines. Also it has found its way into product packaging and a myriad of business ephemera.

Much to my own surprise, even I have found use for it.

However, as for its originations strong mention goes to Giambattista Bodoni, the particular interpretation to Sol Hess. To Bradbury Thompson for his work towards a new alphabet and implementation by the engineering department at Lanston. For these reasons I am reluctant to take more credit than due.

However, I conceived and improvised Bodoni 26 there for by common type design traditions I can claim it my own.

Personally I would never have considered ranking Bodoni 26 on the list of the 'top 100 typefaces ever'.

¶ I ACCEPT THE HONOUR with the above credits noted I do so in a moment of professional awkwardness. For me, never before has Goudy's words been as poignant as they are now.

'The old guys stole all our best ideas.'

I trust my new found recognition as a type designer will not cloud my reputation as a master of typographical fleurons.

We wouldn't want this to go to my head, would we now?

NOTE: The Goudy quote is from memory, my books are on the slow boat to Finland. Please don't use the wording for academic reference without verification.