Charles wrote: URL: http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.editors.lyx.general/38743 > > Normally, in English typography, acronyms are set in upper case. But > rules are made to be bent and the invention of computer typography > gave new possibilities and wordprocessor gave bad habits to writers > and readers (for example the use and abuse of bold). > > If you want to improve your typography : The Elements of Typographic > Style of Robert Bringhurst is a nice book.
Thanks for the splendid recommendation! Interestingly, I just found on the wiki a link to a whole reading list for typesetting & typography: Bringhurst number one -- key reading. http://wiki.lyx.org/LyX/SuggestedReading Although I don't have a copy of Bringhurst 1992, I've just found a page on the web that refers to Bringhurst's on the use of small caps for abbreviations and acronyms in sentences (see below). In terms of small caps italic, Bringhurst apparently does not give a rule, but on cases like using a small caps for abbreviations at the beginning of sentences. Cheers, Sam -- www.nbcs.rutgers.edu/~hedrick/typography/disputed.html `[Small caps] Now we come to the question of when to use them. Bringhurst's rules are sort of interesting. He starts by saying use them for all abbreviations and acronyms except (1) personal names, and (2) 2-letter geographical abbreviations. But he then notes that many people use small caps for 2-letter postal codes, and that in a document where there are lots of acronyms and abbreviations near each other, you're best to be consistent, and not treat 2-letter ones differently.'
