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Introducing Sentinel, the newest masterpiece by Hoefler & Frere-Jones. For everyone who’s ever wished Clarendons had italics, everyone whose favorite slab serif is shy a few weights, and everyone who’s ever needed a slab serif to thrive in text: Sentinel was designed for you. More after the jump.

H&FJ are among the best typeface designers working today, creators of the current typographic heartthrob, Gotham (used in our logo and on this site). Their typefaces are deeply rooted in history and they go through extensive work to show this process on their site, and Sentinel is no different.

Sentinel

Sentinel, billed as ‘the slab serif that works,’ is expertly crafted to work both at small sizes as well as display type. Careful care was taken to eliminate odd details that can normally be hidden in small type, but show up as a black eye when the type is enlarged. Sentinel offers a full range of weights, in both Romans and Italics, something most Clarendons lack.

Sentinel Range

Just like any typeface by H&FJ, Sentinel is not inexpensive. The package beings at $199 for a license for one computer. I have to argue though, that with this font (and all from H&FJ) you get what you are paying for. View and buy it here.

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Ricky Salsberry is an interactive designer working in Chicago and the editor of The Donut Project. In his spare time he reads/rants about technology, watches hockey, wrecks his bike, and designs some more.