Capitals / A Primer of Information about Capitalization with some Practical Typographic Hints as to the Use of Capitals

A primer outlines the history, forms, and practical use of capital letters, tracing their origin from inscriptional forms to roman, small capitals, and italic variants, and distinguishing form from size. It explains when to use full versus small capitals or italics in running titles, dedications, headings, inscriptions, and religious names, and offers technical guidance on spacing, leading, and pairing capitals with numerals. The text treats initial letters and display settings, type wear and readability, and recommends restrained use of emphatic devices, illustrating typographic choices that balance aesthetics, legibility, and production concerns.