Claude Garamond began as an apprentice to a Paris printer in the early 1500s. Later he was one of the first to specialize in designing and casting type at a time when it was most common for those functions to be melded with that of printer and publisher. His designs became standards in 16th century Europe and have inspired countless versions over the centuries.

As is his practice, Günter Gerhard Lange studied the original Garamond prints extensively before adapting his own interpretation, released by Berthold in 1972.

Under the direction of Lange, small caps, old style figures and additional condensed versions will be added to the family in 2000, making Berthold Garamond an extensive and versatile family well suited for a variety of applications.