Introduction
Oscar Ogg (13 December 1908 - 9 August 1971) was an American graphic artist, book designer, and author. He was the art director and vice president of the Book of the Month.
His book jackets and calligraphy works were the standards against which many others were compared.
Early life and education
Oscar Ogg was born on December 13, 1908, in Richmond, Virginia.
He studied architecture at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1931. Later, he studied layout and typography with type designer Walter Huxley in New York and was an assistant to Canadian-American artist, illustrator and cartoonist Boardman Robinson at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
Career
Ogg first started working as a calligrapher in New York, providing lettering and jacket designs for book covers. He found himself at a disadvantage because of his youth. To compete more effectively, he grew a red beard as beards were then considered a symbol of age.
In 1940, he published his first book Alphabet Source Book (Harper)—a copybook of lettering styles.
He joined the Book-of-the‐Month Club in 1946, following service with the Army's cartographic section. In 1948, he became the firm's art director.
His 1948 book The 26 Letters (published by Crowell) is a history of the alphabet from cave drawings to contemporary type fonts. It was illustrated by 275 of his drawings.
He assisted the book designer/educator Elmer Adler (1884 – 1962) in designing and preparing The New York Times Museum of the Printed Word on the 10th floor of its main building.
Ogg also published monographs and articles, was a member of the Typophiles, Grolier Club, Dutch Treat Club, and American Institute of Graphic Arts.
In addition, he lectured on calligraphy and book design at Columbia University.
At one point, he also mentored famed calligrapher Arthur Baker.
Personal life
Ogg was married to his wife Margaret Westenberger. The couple had two children: Oscar Jr. and Margaret.
Death
Ogg died after a short illness on August 9, 1971, in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of 62.
Selected books
- An Alphabet Source Book - January 1, 1940
- The Mask Book. 10 funny faces to make & wear – January 1, 1942
- The 26 Letters - January 1, 1948
- Three Classics of Italian Calligraphy – June 1, 1953
- Lettering as a book art – January 1, 1949