Serif Normal Poled 4 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Dutch 801' by Bitstream, 'Times Eighteen' by Linotype, 'Acta Deck' and 'Times New Roman' by Monotype, 'TS Old Baskerville' by TypeShop Collection, and 'Nimbus Roman No. 9' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, book covers, magazine titles, branding, classic, authoritative, formal, dramatic, impact, tradition, prestige, readability, bracketed, ball terminals, bookish, crisp, stately.
A high-contrast serif with sharp, tapered hairlines and heavier vertical stems, creating a crisp, engraved-like texture. Serifs are bracketed and fairly sharp, with occasional ball terminals and swelling joins that add a slightly calligraphic flavor. The lowercase shows compact counters and a sturdy, punchy rhythm, while capitals are stately and symmetrical with pronounced thick–thin transitions. Numerals and punctuation match the same dramatic contrast and look designed to hold up in display sizes.
Well suited to headlines, magazine and newspaper-style typography, and book-cover titling where contrast and presence are assets. It can also work for formal branding and packaging that benefits from a classic serif voice and strong typographic impact.
The overall tone is traditional and editorial, projecting seriousness and authority with a touch of drama from the extreme contrast. It feels bookish and institutional rather than playful, with a polished, print-forward character.
Likely intended as a conventional serif for impactful editorial and display use, balancing traditional letterform structure with heightened thick–thin contrast to create a confident, attention-grabbing page color.
At larger sizes the hairlines and fine details read as elegant and precise; in denser settings the strong contrast and tight internal spaces can make the texture feel weighty and assertive. The design’s distinct terminals and bracketed serifs give it a recognizable voice for headings and emphasized typography.