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Follow along as I research, interview, learn, and write. No spam — only stories from the road: secret locations, special photos, and a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of making the book.

Want to read a bit before you commit? I’ve written several issues with exclusive content.

About The Project

In 2012, I made a film about the Linotype which only scratched the surface of its impact on society, communication, and journalism. Now, I’m writing a book to share all of the amazing things I’ve learned & uncovered since.

The book will be a historical study of untold Linotype stories and a beautiful coffee-table book filled with amazing images from around the world.

Questions I’m Answering

  • Where is the original Blower Linotype machine which hasn’t been seen publicly in three decades?
  • What were the experiences of women & minority populations using the Linotype?
  • Can we find the original 1936 NBC radio broadcast celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Linotype?
  • How did the Linotype company transition to photo and computer typesetting technology?
  • How did a small group of people swindle over $775,000 from the company in 1945?
  • What was the APL (All-Purpose Linotype) and why did it fail so spectacularly?
  • How did the International Typographic Union become so powerful and so hated?
  • Why did the New York Times wait 20 years longer than everyone else to stop using the Linotype?
  • Why was Ottmar Mergenthaler so angry and depressed at the end of his life?
  • What was the relation between the U.S., U.K., and German Linotype companies during two World Wars?

Fast Facts

Research locations visited
14
Experts interviewed
8
Spreadsheets created
13
Estimated budget to self-publish the book
$300k
Publications currently in the bibliography
129
Estimated pages of the final book
450?
Custom font in progress
1
Estimated years to finish research & writing
1½?

Did you know?

  • Ottmar Mergenthaler was kicked out of his own company because he couldn’t stop tinkering?
  • The Linotype wasn’t the first (or even the best) typesetting machine, but it suceeded due to overly-aggressive lawyers?
  • The author Mark Twain almost went bankrupt funding a machine that was faster at composing type than the Linotype?
  • There is a Twilight Zone television episode centered around a “possessed” Linotype?
  • The venture capitalists behind the Linotype invested so they could break up the printing & typesetting unions?
  • The Linotype company almost went out of business because Mergenthaler submitted a patent for spacing words 49 days late?

About me

A professional headshot of Doug Wilson, the author, smiling at the camera.

My name is Doug Wilson, and I’m a designer, writer, filmmaker, and type historian. After the film came out, I thought I was finished with the Linotype — but I was wrong!

I’ve continued to research and collect fascinating stories with a focus on its large impact on society and now I’m writing a book to share it with you.

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