Join Kelli Anderson, the author of Alphabet in Motion, an immersive introduction unlike any other to the history of typography, in pop-up form!

“No disrespect to all the fine novels I read this year, but the work of literature that delighted me most is a pop-up book.” – Ron Charles, The Washington Post

With an interactive cover, 17 pop-ups and hands-on activities throughout, Alphabet in Motion (Katherine Small Gallery) is an immersive introduction unlike any other to the history of typography and letter shapes. Join us in the R&D Store for an evening with the book’s creator, Kelli Anderson, moderated by MCLA Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski.

Ever wonder how we ended up with so many different styles of letters? Open any text editor, email client, or design app, and you will immediately be bombarded with a buffet of typographic choices. Serif or sans serif? Display or text? Classical or contemporary? Formal or casual?

Type history is often technical and always visual. It is therefore challenging to fully explain in text or in diagrams alone. This paper engineering feat provides a sensory inroad for curious readers to grasp how typography has morphed through history (and how lettering can convey a point of view or philosophical stance). If you look carefully, you can see the history of the world — from the Bronze Age to the Information Age — in the microcosm of type.

Can’t make the event? Pre-order a copy of Alphabet in Motion and we’ll get your book signed for you.

Kelli Anderson is a graphic designer, paper engineer, educator and author who uses design magic to connect people with the hidden talents of everyday things. Her previous publications include This Book Is a Camera (MoMA), which transforms into a working camera, and This Book Is a Planetarium (Chronicle), which houses paper devices (including a planetarium) and has sold more than 100,000 copies.