Serif Normal Ihgew 23 is a light, normal width, high contrast, upright, short x-height font.
Keywords: books, magazines, editorial, headlines, invitations, literary, classic, formal, refined, readability, tradition, elegance, authority, editorial tone, bracketed, sharp, crisp, calligraphic, vertical stress.
This serif presents crisp, finely drawn letterforms with pronounced thick–thin modulation and a predominantly vertical stress. Serifs are bracketed and neatly tapered, giving terminals a sharp, controlled finish rather than a blunt slab feel. Proportions lean traditional with tall capitals, relatively compact lowercase, and narrow internal counters that create a dignified, slightly compressed rhythm in text. The numerals follow the same elegant contrast and show oldstyle-like energy in their curves and joins, maintaining a cohesive, bookish texture.
It suits long-form reading in books and editorial layouts where a traditional serif voice is desired, especially at comfortable text sizes with adequate leading. The crisp contrast also makes it effective for headlines, pull quotes, and formal printed materials where a refined, classical tone is appropriate.
The overall tone is classic and composed, suggesting established editorial and literary traditions. Its high-contrast strokes and precise finishing convey refinement and authority, with a subtly dramatic sparkle that reads as formal rather than ornamental.
The design appears intended as a conventional, literature-oriented serif that balances readability with elegant stroke contrast. It aims to deliver a familiar, authoritative typographic voice with enough sharp detail to look polished in high-quality print settings.
In the sample text, the font produces a lively page color: strong verticals anchor the line while thin hairlines add brightness at larger sizes. The design favors clarity and poise over robustness, making spacing and line breaks feel disciplined and traditional.