by Frederick W. Hamilton
About this book
Compound Words: Typographic Technical Series for Apprentices #36 by Frederick W. Hamilton delivers a concise, authoritative exploration of English compounding and the frequently vexing question of hyphenation. Drawing on Hamilton’s role as an early 20th‑century educational director, this 1918 practical manual situates the rules of composition within the working world of printers, compositors, and typographers when usage was shifting and standards were still forming.
Part style guide, part reference, and part historical study, the audiobook examines principles of compounding, accent in compound formation, the components that make up compounds, and a clear set of rules for hyphen use. Hamilton analyzes common problems, tabulates component types, and offers pragmatic advice for applying rules on the shop floor. Supplementary reading suggestions and review questions reinforce learning for apprentices and editors alike.
A non-fiction typography/reference work, this installment of the Typographic Technical Series is ideal for typesetters, printing historians, copy editors, designers, and language enthusiasts who want succinct, practical guidance grounded in historical practice. Listen for a compact, readable treatment of compound words that still informs modern style and editorial decision‑making.
