In 2009, a book from 1897 in the library of the University of
Wisconsin caught David Berlow’s attention. It was set in a clear
text face—a predecessor of Bookman—cast
by the Western Type Foundry who called it Custer [see
Cushing].
Upon noting how well the typeface worked in sizes of 6 and 7
points, Berlow developed it into a member of the Reading Edge
series specifically designed for small text on screen.
Custer
RE was a broad and approachable typeface drawn large on
the body with a tall x-height to maximize its apparent size when
set very small. This was the beginning of the newly expanded
series; in 2020, Berlow added new optical sizes and weights,
growing the original design’s versatility up to headline sizes.
Font
Bureau, More…
In 2009, a book from 1897 in the library of the University of Wisconsin caught David Berlow’s attention. It was set in a clear text face—a predecessor of Bookman—cast by the Western Type Foundry who called it Custer [see Cushing]. Upon noting how well the typeface worked in sizes of 6 and 7 points, Berlow developed it into a member of the Reading Edge series specifically designed for small text on screen. Custer RE was a broad and approachable typeface drawn large on the body with a tall x-height to maximize its apparent size when set very small. This was the beginning of the newly expanded series; in 2020, Berlow added new optical sizes and weights, growing the original design’s versatility up to headline sizes. Font Bureau, 2009–2020.
Custer spans four optical sizes (in addition to Custer RE); Display, Subhead, Text, Small; each in 3–4 weights in roman and italic styles.
