In the first of three dynamite shows now up for viewing at Minnesota Center for Book Arts, curator Craig Eliason carefully shows how typefaces become associated with national identity.

Face the Nation; How National Identity Shaped Modern Type Design, put together in association with the rich libraries of the University of St. Thomas looks at a number of case studies where type was used explicitly to reinforce, redefine, or transcend national self-images at different points in their life-cycle.

The exhibition --- as well as the excellent website accompanying it --- is intelligent, careful, and insightful. Showing examples both familiar and surprising.

In the summary statement, the organizers ask:
What role did typefaces play in the modernist milieu of Weimar Germany, or under the Nazi Third Reich? How did a new type design support Ireland's independence from Britain? What did aspirational names like "Futura" and "Univers" mean? Discover "the last great era of metal type" . . .  The exhibition includes a number of case studies, showing original printed examples, historical curiosities and objects from the printing trade.

It begs the questions: how do today's typographies support or undermine . . . or even side-step national identity? Is there a truly international style, or is geography always a determinant? Thanks to Craig Eliason for the thoughtful provocation!