DIVISION IN LINES OF DISPLAY

DIVISION IN LINES OF DISPLAY


As a rule division is never used in lines of display. In these cases the
display is the important thing. Every word long enough to be divided is
important enough to be displayed and emphasized. Divided words are weakened
words. Lines of irregular lengths are used of set purpose.

In title pages words of bold display must never be divided. In minor lines
of display, such as subtitles and summaries, words are often divided. A
subheading of two lines should never be divided in the first line when it
is possible to turn the full word over on to the next line. The shortening
of the first line is never a blemish, but a too short second line following
a hyphened first line is always a fault.

There is a school of ultra-artistic composition in book titles which
affects a solid squaring up and hesitates at no means to secure its
effects. It sets a definite measure and forces the lines into it, dividing
words arbitrarily and using no hyphen. This is a passing fancy and will
pass as eccentricities always pass. It should not be used unless the author
insists upon it. The man who pays the bills has a right to have his work
done as he pleases. The intelligent printer, however, will not allow the
peculiarities of the individual customer to affect his general practice.