This article was written in October 1996 for the ‘Typelab Krant’. This was a laser-printed and stapled publication circulated at the ATypI meeting in The Hague in that year: it was published in the issue of 25 October 1996. We resurrect the piece now, because it gives some picture of the way in which Hyphen Press books come into existence.

Norman Potter, the book’s author, died in November 1995, aged 72. Although the third edition of What is a designer went out of print last year, his book lives on. Spanish and Danish publishers are now embarking on translations. This has meant a revision and updating of the English text: a fourth English-language edition is under consideration.

The book is now officially out of print, though a few copies may be available still from Coen Sligting, our Dutch distributor. We do not plan to reprint in its present form, but a revised edition is being considered.

Word is getting out that this book is for digital people too (or maybe it is mainly for them?): ‘Counterpunch is a wonderful addition to the collection of any type designer’s library. Looking at the history of letter-making from the days of the old lead type you are able to learn the history of the art. The information that the author delivers in a direct, logical style has much bearing on the digital type design that is practiced by so many today. If you design type, or if you would like to start, this book will help you.’ Chris McGregor’s books of the month selection, March 1998, Internet Type Foundry Index.

The second printing of the Karel Martens: printed matter sold out in Europe within a few months in 1997. Made in the summer of 1996 for the award of the Heineken Prize for Art to Karel Martens, it was a book of that particular moment. The moment has passed, and we won’t make a further reprint. Remaining copies may still be obtainable from US bookshops. In competition with around 680 other books from all over the world, the book was awarded the highest prize – the ‘Goldene Blätter’ – at the book-design exhibition at the Leipzig Book Fair in March 1998. There will be a reprise of this event at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October.