Serif Normal Usnal 4 is a regular weight, normal width, very high contrast, upright, short x-height font.
Keywords: book typography, editorial, magazines, invitations, headlines, classical, bookish, formal, literary, refined, text reading, classic tone, refined display, editorial voice, bracketed serifs, flared terminals, oldstyle figures, calligraphic, teardrop joins.
A high-contrast serif with crisp hairlines and fuller main strokes, showing a distinctly calligraphic construction. Serifs are bracketed and often flare into tapered, wedge-like ends, with occasional beak terminals that add a slightly engraved, pen-cut feel. The lowercase has compact proportions with a short x-height and lively curves, while capitals are stately and fairly narrow, keeping a vertical, disciplined rhythm. Numerals appear oldstyle, with varying heights and subtle diagonals that echo the texty, traditional character.
Well suited to book interiors, long-form editorial layouts, and magazine typography where a classical serif voice is desired. It can also serve effectively for refined headings, pull quotes, and invitations, especially when printed with sufficient resolution to preserve the thin strokes and sharp joins.
The tone is traditional and literary, suggesting classic book typography and editorial seriousness. Its sharp contrast and slightly ornamental terminals add refinement and a hint of antiquarian charm without becoming overtly decorative. Overall it reads as formal, cultured, and suited to content with a heritage or scholarly mood.
The design appears intended to deliver a conventional, readable serif with an elevated, classical finish—pairing traditional proportions with expressive stroke modulation and distinctive tapered terminals for a more crafted, literary texture.
Curves show deliberate modulation, and several letters exhibit tapered stroke endings that create a gently engraved texture at display sizes. The spacing and rhythm feel designed for text, but the strong contrast and delicate hairlines will visually assert themselves as sizes increase.