Hermann Zapf, 96, Designer Whose Fonts You See Everywhere

“In the world of type design – an exacting, arcane craft that is underappreciated for its impact on how people communicate and receive communication – Mr. Zapf was a giant.” Among the more than 200 typefaces he created (in several alphabets) are Palatino, Optima, Melior, and the befuddling, beloved Dingbats.