Words, words, words.

December 8, 2008 8:53 AM

Tattoo Typeface Troubles: My sister and I are looking to get a line from Hamlet tattooed on our wrists, and want it to look like it was printed out of a book. Help me (us) choose a good typeface!

The exact line is "Words, words, words." I'm kind of thinking something that looks timeless, but at least slightly unique. Thanks in advance!

posted by bookwo3107 to clothing, beauty, & fashion (18 answers total)

I'd go with Garamond, myself.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:03 AM on December 8, 2008

Have you tried the livejournal community literary tattoos for ideas?
posted by boy detective at 9:04 AM on December 8, 2008

Don't know how I borked the link above. Garamond!
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:08 AM on December 8, 2008

King?
posted by Jairus at 9:10 AM on December 8, 2008

Century Schoolbook is probably the first font that you (and sis) read. To most people, it instantly triggers a "book" reaction.
posted by toxic at 9:14 AM on December 8, 2008

William Morris' Golden, and the pleasing double history it would layer on.

OR. Not precisely what you've asked for, but consider writing it out in your own handwriting, and asking the artist to transfer that to your skin. It would link but make distinct yours and your sisters' tattoos...handwriting changes subtly but surely over time, and a sample can be a powerful reminder of a period in your life. I have a couple done this way, and am often surprised to see them and realize how much I've changed.
posted by peachfuzz at 9:17 AM on December 8, 2008 [3 favorites]

I'd check out Dafont.com, they've got thousands on thousands and you can preview what your text will look like before downloading and installing. Some are pay, but I think the bulk of them are free!
posted by yellowbinder at 9:17 AM on December 8, 2008

Baskerville
posted by interrobang at 9:34 AM on December 8, 2008

Goudy Hundred always reminds me of old 18th Cen. books, even if it's more modern than that. A font with a long s would be cool, but I can't think of any off hand.
posted by fiercekitten at 9:38 AM on December 8, 2008

I like BookAntiqua and butterbrot papier. no link sorry baby is crying.
posted by jfwlucy at 9:39 AM on December 8, 2008

What about this, which is similar to Shakespeare's handwriting (or at the very least contemporary to the quote)?
posted by dogsbody at 9:41 AM on December 8, 2008

Here is the font you need.

(That's the First Folio, the first big compilation of Shakespeare's work. If you want to be extra hardcore, you could try to track down a replica of the First Quarto edition of Hamlet, which is the first time it was in print period. I have no idea if the fonts are significantly different.)
posted by nebulawindphone at 10:17 AM on December 8, 2008 [1 favorite]

Well, if you're being literary, there's always Ophelia or even Hamlet.
posted by mandal at 10:19 AM on December 8, 2008

Fell types
ITC Oldbook
Old Claude
MVB Gryphius
P22 Mayflower Set
posted by fire&wings at 10:20 AM on December 8, 2008

Q1's pretty similar to F1 in terms of typeface, yeah.
posted by EarBucket at 10:36 AM on December 8, 2008

These are all great answers. I marked my favorites, but will need to negotiate some of the finer points with my sister, lol.

Thanks hive mind!
posted by bookwo3107 at 10:53 AM on December 8, 2008

I'm with nebulawindphone: (thanks for the link) & 1st Quarto is here
posted by ouke at 12:42 PM on December 8, 2008

aaargh! here
posted by ouke at 12:43 PM on December 8, 2008