The push from hieroglyphics to a formal standardized alphabet gives us insight into the both the limits and advantages of the written language. On one hand, we see the explosion of the Chinese logograms, with their 45,000 or more alphabet. Then we see the development of the 21 letter Phonetic alphabet, which later evolved into the 26 letter alphabet we use. We get to see the evolution of script based forms, based off the use of pens and cants, bringing us the uncial and half-uncial, and also the Rustic capitals.
After the development and standardization of the alphabet by Charlamange, we see the first typeface established by Gutenberg in the 1450s. The evolution of type follows quickly thereafter, changing from black face to the thin and delicate French influenced type of Jenson. The variation of the alphabets and the stylistic choices made then remind us how limited we are now, being bound to the forms and strokes of our alphabet, afraid to change it, less we destroy the definitive characteristics of the letterform that make it readable and understandable. Every perceivable thing is seen in printed form, evolving from a religious trademark to the standard form of communicating knowledge and standards of civilization.
Finally, we see the introduction of Romain due Roi, where we percieve the removal of the human element from the typefaces. Standardization of the serifs, strokes, and forms establish a modular form and basis for all subsquent typefaces.
