The Counter Press. Elizabeth Ellis and David Marshall. 3 Dower Cottages, Barrow Hill, Wick, South Glos. BS30 5RQ, UK. Tel: +447725913618. Website: https://www.thecounterpress.co.uk.
Elizabeth Ellis and David Marshall (eds), Paul Barnes, Simon Esterson, Astrid Stavro and Erik Spiekermann (conts). Extra Condensed No.3. 2022. 12 pages. 304 x 431mm. Monotype Caslon Series 128. Printed on Vandercook SP20. 165 copies: 150 copies on 90gsm Newsprint, folded, price: £18; 15 copies on 160gsm South Bank Smooth, hand-single-section sewn with white thread, price: £35. Extra Condensed No.3 has been a long time in the making, arriving 6 years after the last, but it returns bigger and bolder. This issue takes condensed typography as its theme and features exclusive articles by Erik Spiekermann, Astrid Stavro, Paul Barnes and Simon Esterson, each bringing their own view of what that means to them and their work. It’s a celebration of these humble grotesque letterforms, richly brought to life through a combination of delicate metal and expressive wood type.