Taller Character Within Font

I just received a new font from Virgin Wood Type. Some of the characters are taller than the others, the lower case “g” in this image is one such character. I would suppose that this is by design, but I am wondering what is the “proper” way to lock this up. Any suggestions?

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The wood block which the lower case “g” is engraved on, should be flush with the other letters at the top and extend below the other letters at the bottom. It should be the opposite of the way you have it. Also, the “C” in Christmas goes the other way around.

On another subject, if you know typography already, please disregard this paragraph. When you first print your words above, take a look at the letters in the words and see if they look evenly spaced, from an aesthetic point of view. It is not uncommon for some letters in the words to look better with a little more space between them. The wood blocks which the letters are engraved on, are within reason, the smallest blocks which the type maker can use. Some combinations of letters look fine being spaced close together like that, and other combinations look better with more space between them. For instance in your picture above, the letters “t” and “m” in Christmas look closer together than the letters “m” and “a”. The word would probably look better if you put a little extra space between the t and m, such as one or two 2 point leads. Then the letters in the word would look more evenly spaced, which is desirable.This type of thing is part of the body of knowledge called typography, which can make your work look more professional and attractive.

Have a look at my photo, it shows you how to set up your forme. Some larger sizes metal type are also cast on two different bodies.

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Since wood type is made to pica lines, the characters with descenders are usually even picas in difference. For alignment you could be using wooden reglet rather than leading, if you have it.

Thanks for the replies. I would’ve eventually caught the upper case “C” being backwards, but the lower case “g” I would’ve printed pretty much as it is set up and probably published and distributed the error right on the book cover!

I know just enough about typography to be dangerous… actually make that very dangerous. So… your comments are very much appreciated.

I’ve never seen a type font that has “descenders” before and was unaware of their existence prior to this moment. Thanks!