Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford "Dangerously Near to Absolute Perfection"
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May 2, 2025 Two friends in the Arts and Crafts Movement set out to create the ultimate Bible edition with a typeface called Doves. Their journey turns sour as their artistic collaboration unravels, leading to a fierce dispute over the type's ownership. One friend struggles with the idea of destroying their beloved creation, while another seeks to revive it decades later. The tale weaves together themes of beauty, sacrifice, and the complexities behind artistic partnerships, illustrating how a noble vision can spiral into chaos.
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Founding of the Doves Press
- Thomas Cobden Sanderson and Emery Walker founded the Doves Press with the dream to create beautiful books.
- Cobden Sanderson expressed excitement and hope for their first project to possibly be the Bible.
Doves Type: Beauty in Imperfection
- The Doves typeface is praised as the most beautiful in the world, combining elegance and subtle human imperfections.
- Its unique style brought brightness and clarity, contrasting previous heavier, medieval-inspired types.
Friendship Strains in Printing
- A conflict arose between Emery Walker and Thomas Cobden Sanderson over detailed printing choices and expectations.
- Cobden Sanderson felt frustrated by Walker's absence and objections, which led to an unsent letter listing grievances.