Octavo, Issues 1-7
Octavo, An International Journal of Typography is a fascinating publication designed and edited by design studio 8VO. The publication is made up of 8 Issues–7 printed and the final eighth issue released as a CD–which ran from 1986 to 1992. At the time, Octavo introduced, to what the studio felt was a stuffy British graphic design industry, Swiss International Typography and the rationalisation and potential of modernism.
Issue 1 makes the editors' position clear, stating that although " Octavo 86.1 features mostly English work, later issues will be more international in flavour – (it would be difficult to complete eight issues of a publication with examples of good English typography. As a nation our respect for tradition, nostalgia, fashion, and our love affair with symmetry make such a proposition unthinkable). As editors we take an international, modernist stance. This is necessary in England."
The magazines are in good to fair condition. The outer translucent sleeves are intact, two issues have small tears to the top/bottom corner. Some have some discolouration, a couple a nice and white. There's slight warping related to age but common to the series. Inside, the magazines are in great shape, with some having nice finishes such as varnishing and embossing.
This set, while not including the final Issue 8 CD-ROM, does include the sought-after issue 87.4 which features Wolfgang Weingart's illustrated lecture "How Can One Make Swiss Typography". I'll also include a couple of Octavo promo flyers.
Title: Octavo
Issues: 1–7
Year: 1986–90
Design: 8VO
Pages: 16
Format: Softcover
Binding: Saddle stitch
Outer: Translucent dust jacket.
Condition: Good/Fair