Blackletter, also known as Gothic script, is a script style that originated in Western Europe around the 12th century. Its name derives from the dense and dark appearance of the written text, characterized by its angular, broken, or "black" lines. This script style was widely used throughout the medieval period, particularly in Germany, where it was employed until the 20th century. The script witnessed major usage in manuscripts, literary works, and for the earliest printed books, including the famed Gutenberg Bible, one of the first major books printed using movable type in the 1450s. Blackletter's influence waned with the rise of the more legible Humanist and Antiqua scripts, but it remains a significant chapter in the history of typography.
Blackletter is typically divided into several styles, the most prominent being Textualis, Schwabacher, and Fraktur. Textualis, often considered the most calligraphic form of Blackletter, was used primarily for formal texts and religious documents. It features tall, narrow letters with sharp, angular lines, making it somewhat difficult to read by contemporary standards. Schwabacher, developed in the 15th century, was a softer, more rounded script and became the predominant form of Blackletter in Germany until it was supplanted by Fraktur in the early 16th century. Fraktur, recognized by its striking boldness and clarity, became the most common German blackletter typeface, extensively used in German-speaking countries until the 20th century.
The use of Blackletter has often been imbued with deep cultural and historical significance. In Germany, for instance, it was associated with Germanic heritage and nationalism, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This association was so strong that the script was erroneously regarded as a fundamentally German script, though it was used all across Europe. During the Nazi regime, Blackletter was initially promoted as the true "German" script; however, it was later banned in 1941 in favor of Antiqua, which Hitler declared as the only correct and legible typeface, ironically branding Blackletter as "Schwabacher Jewish letters."
Today, Blackletter is no longer used for standard text applications but continues to hold a place in various niche and artistic contexts. It is popular in the branding of products that wish to convey a sense of tradition and authenticity, such as in the labeling of beers or in musical contexts, particularly within the heavy metal community. Moreover, it is used in the calligraphy community where practitioners appreciate its historical significance and unique aesthetics. The revival of interest in traditional calligraphy has led to new appreciation and use of Blackletter, not just as a cultural relic, but as a vibrant form of artistic expression, symbolizing a bridge between the past and the present in the ever-evolving world of typography.