99% Invisible Fraktur
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Feb 19, 2020 Explore the fascinating and complex history of the Fraktur typeface, a font with deep roots in German identity and nationalism. Despite its Nazi associations, this intriguing typeface showcases a rich narrative, having even been banned by the regime. Delve into the contemporary debates around architecture, as experts weigh in on the relevance of classical versus modern styles for federal buildings. An unexpected commuter incident sparks discussions about belonging and identity in today's world, tying history to personal experiences.
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The Bus Driver's Sign
- Peter Dorfel, a Dresden bus rider, noticed a sign stating "This bus is driven by a German driver".
- The sign's Fraktur typeface implied a nationalist message, alarming Dorfel and other passengers.
Blackletter and Nazi Germany
- The typeface used on the sign, Fraktur or Blackletter, has a long history.
- It is now primarily associated with Nazi Germany, despite being used across Europe for centuries.
Blackletter's Origins
- Blackletter originated in 12th-century France for practical reasons, not stylistic ones.
- Its angular forms were easier for monks to write with quills, leading to faster, more uniform text.