I don’t have a resource handy, but in one of the more recent TDC books there was a font design that had a similar feel and was used for a resteraunt menu. Maybe someone else might remember what that is.

For the handwriting, you’d probably find the best match among the Comicraft library.

Your requests are always fascinating, Michael. May I ask what kind of project you’re working on?

You might also find some hand-printing fonts in either Part 11 (Everyday Hand-printing) or Part 6 (Sign lettering) of the Script Font ID Guide. The former should be closer, as they would be less ’controlled’ and uniform-looking.

- Mike Yanega

A narrowed down the Comicraft fonts to those that come closest. You’d probably want to modify a few ’S’s here and there and loosen the letterspacing.

AstroCity
Chatterbox
DaveGibbons
Monologous
ScottMcCloud

Wow, Stephen! I should pay you for doing my homework!

Your suggestions are smart and much appreciated, though the handwriting in the sample evokes a bit of art deco, which is the flavor I am hoping to get across. Something that would capture New York in the 30s/40s. I would like to avoid something too cartoon-captionish if at all possible. Doesn’t even have to be handwritten.

Since you asked, I’m working on a book project, written by the late Dai Vernon, who is revered as one of the greatest sleight-of-hand artists who ever lived. He practiced well into his 90s, mentoring many famous magicians—ranging from Houdini to Ricky Jay. His creative thought process truly revolutionized the art, so much so that he was lovingly called, “The Professor.” The sample you see above is from one of his personal notebooks; a list of favored methods for nullifying the cut in a game of cards, or otherwise moving things around in a deck of cards “invisibly.” He spent his latter years at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, which, thanks largely to his presence, became the epicenter of all things magic.

Thanks so much for all the assistance!

Only in the field of design would one have the chance to explore such interesting and vastly varied topics. Sounds like a fantastic project you’re working on, malbright.

What a rich life we live. We are the blessed.

Thanks for a peek into your assignment.

Work happy.

Eaglefeather has the right S’s and feels similar, but adds more quirks than you probably need. Estilo is probably a better choice, but you’ll need an app with good OpenType support to get the characters you want.

Thanks to Mike and Mark for your suggestions as well. Very much appreciated!

Little Louis has a similar feel to me, including a few optional letters that are more like the deco style.

- Mike Yanega