PT Octava™ was designed at ParaType in 2001 by Vladimir Yefimov.

The first (Cyrillic only) version named Scriptura Russica (1996) consisting of three styles (book, italic, bold) was commissioned by the Russian Bible Society. Lately the Latin letters and bold italic were added. Inspired by Lectura, 1969, by Dick Dooijes and Stone Print, 1991, by Sumner Stone.

In spite of large x-height the typeface is both space saving and quite legible at small sizes.

Expert fonts including small caps (book) and old style figures are available.