If you are a student interested in Typography, than you have to read this book. It is not only about punchcutting in its techniques but provides a lot of basic information on the subject type in general. Because of his direct and logic way of writing Fred Smeijers succeeds in explaining you the most complex things you where always confused about before (method of handcasting type, old techniques, the historical connections). He also explains what we can learn from all that for now and the future.It is greatly illustrated, beautifully designed and so lively written that you have to read it like a novel, not able to stop anymore. I hope Fred Smeijers continues writing so interesting books.