Page:Handbook of style in use at the Riverside press, Cambridge, Massachusetts (IA handbookofstylei00riverich).pdf/7



Men differ so radically in their preferences as to spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and other typographical matters, that it is impracticable to frame a set of inflexible rules for printing. This Handbook merely sets forth the general custom of one large printing-office,—&zwj;a custom which is the result of many years of widely varying experience. While all the rules here given are believed to be sound, and in general are to be followed exactly, many of them are not considered altogether inviolable. Much must be left to the purpose and feeling of the writer whose work is being printed, and the application of rules must be elastic enough to meet all cases. The printing art is servant to the author, not his master.

Absolute completeness has not been aimed at; the dictionary has not been displaced; common-sense and good judgment must always be used by compositors and proof-readers. It is hoped, however, that the Handbook will prove of practical use in standardizing work and preventing misunderstandings.

The constant aim in preparing it has been to express the traditions and customs that have grown up at The Riverside Press during more than half a century of work. On many points, however, the style manuals of several other large printing offices have been consulted (especially those of the University of Chicago Press, the Government Printing Office, the Plimpton Press, the Norwood Press, and R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company), and grateful acknowledgment is here made of the help they have afforded. Particular credit should be given to the very thorough and excellent Manual of Style published by the University of Chicago Press.

March 31, 1914.