[2] It was first published in 1953, and showcases significant typeface designs produced during Morison's tenure at the Lanston Monotype Corporation for their hot-metal typesetting machines during the 1920s and 1930s in England.

A Tally of Types, now republished many times, has proven to be an important source of information on typography.

In the 1973 edition, three appendices were added, describing typeface designs developed since the original printing.

A recent edition includes an introduction by digital-typography pioneer Mike Parker.

[6] A Tally of Types holds a critical account, in Morison's erudite style, of the typeface designs cut under his watchful eye during typography's most influential typeface revival project, turning his detailed insight into the inner workings of early 20th century type design into an enduring record of the practice of typography.