Serif Normal Gubow 8 is a bold, normal width, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font.
Keywords: editorial, book jackets, magazines, headlines, pull quotes, classic, literary, authoritative, warm, emphasis, editorial tone, classic readability, expressive italic, bracketed, calligraphic, canted, lively, robust.
A serif italic with a pronounced rightward slant and sturdy, ink-like strokes. Serifs are bracketed and slightly wedge-shaped, giving terminals a carved, calligraphic finish rather than a mechanical one. Counters are fairly open and the curves feel elastic, with moderate thick–thin movement that stays consistent across the set. Proportions are slightly varied between glyphs, contributing to a lively rhythm; figures are clear and sturdy, with rounded forms and stable baselines despite the strong inclination.
Works well for editorial typography where an italic voice is needed for emphasis—magazine features, book-jacket titling, section openers, and pull quotes. The robust strokes and open shapes also make it suitable for short-to-medium passages at larger sizes, such as decks, intros, and promotional copy that benefits from a classic serif flavor.
The overall tone is traditional and literary, with a confident, editorial voice. Its energetic italic motion and substantial weight create a sense of emphasis and urgency without becoming flashy. The style reads as established and bookish, suitable for conveying seriousness with warmth.
The design appears intended to provide a forceful, readable italic with traditional serif cues and a slightly calligraphic edge. It aims to balance strong presence with familiar text-type proportions, delivering an italic that can carry both emphasis and expressive display duties while retaining a conventional serif character.
The italic construction is evident throughout, including the numerals, which echo the same canted, bracketed-serif logic as the letters. Uppercase shapes lean toward broad, classic proportions, while lowercase forms maintain clear differentiation and a steady texture in paragraphs. The design favors strong silhouettes and expressive joins, which helps it hold up in larger text settings and display-like emphasis.