Serif Normal Poley 8 is a bold, wide, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Franklin-Antiqua' by Berthold; 'Acta Pro', 'Prumo Text', and 'Ysobel' by Monotype; and 'Criterion' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, book covers, posters, branding, authoritative, traditional, formal, stately, impact, credibility, heritage, readability, editorial voice, bracketed, transitional, ball terminals, teardrop terminals, strong serifs.
A robust serif with pronounced thick–thin modulation and clearly bracketed serifs. Stems are weighty and vertical, while joins and curves show sharpened transitions that create crisp highlights in counters and bowls. Terminals frequently finish in teardrop/ball forms (notably on letters like a, c, f, j), adding a slightly calligraphic, sculpted feel. Proportions are generous and open, with large capitals and sturdy lowercase forms designed to hold up at display and headline sizes.
Well-suited to headlines, magazine/editorial layouts, and book or report titling where a classic serif voice is needed with extra impact. It can also serve branding and packaging that wants a traditional, trustworthy tone, and works effectively in short blocks of text where its strong contrast and terminals can provide character without relying on ornament.
The overall tone is assertive and traditional, with an editorial gravitas that feels established and confident. Its strong contrast and emphatic serifs convey seriousness and authority, while the rounded terminals add a touch of refinement rather than austerity.
The design appears intended as a conventional, readable serif pushed toward bold, high-impact usage, balancing classic structure with expressive terminals for personality. It aims to project authority and heritage while remaining clear and controlled in setting.
The figures appear sturdy and classic, with clear differentiation and substantial weight for impact. In text, the rhythm is bold and energetic, with noticeable contrast-driven sparkle; the pronounced terminals contribute distinctive texture that becomes part of the voice of a paragraph rather than disappearing.