In 1924, Monotype based this face on types cut by Pierre Simon Fournier circa 1742 and called “St Augustin Ordinaire” in Fournier’s Manuel Typographique. These types were some of the most influential designs of the eighteenth century, being among the earliest of the “transitional” style of typeface, and were a stepping stone to the more severe “modern” style made popular by Bodoni later in the century. They had more vertical stress than the old style types, greater contrast between thick and thin strokes and little or no bracketing on the serifs.

Fournier has a light, clean look on the page, provides good economy in text and retains an even color.