There are four main varieties of blackletter: Textura (or Textualis) is the original, calligraphic form developed from Carolingian minuscule in northern France. Rotunda originated in Italy shortly in the 13th century. Schwabacher evolved from textualis in Germany and was influenced by Italian Humanist type design. Fraktur is a much later form, developed in the 16th century and most commonly associated with Germany.
Textura
Rotunda
Schwabacher
Fraktur
Above: Example of Textura Quadrata hand, c.1250-1300 Left: Example page from Gutenberg’s original 42 line Bible.
UNIT 1.2
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Research Methods
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