Bicycling 1874. A Textbook for Early Riders

First published by the Tinsley Bros. in London in 1874, this textbook with “Golden Rules of Bicycle Riders” and “routes through England and the rest of Europe” was reprinted in 1970. David & Charles in England and Taplinger in the United States used the same jacket design, just with different colors.

Phidian is an ornamented French Antique with line shade, patented in 1870. Almost a hundred years later, in 1967, VGC released a phototype adaptation as part of their T.J. Lyons Antique Type Collection. In the specimen, the accompanying text reads:

This definitely American face was designed right after the War between the States. It suggests action, even inspiration, with a strong hand wrapped in velvet; condensed, but commanding. It was manifestly fashionable 100 years ago, and its diamond-pointed gems sparkle in the staid surroundings of contemporary display.

The inclined numerals are from Annlie. Released by Letraset in 1966, it’s based on italic Fat Faces from the 19th century. The third typeface is Rockwell, a monolinear Egyptienne issued by Monotype in 1934.