P. J. Conkwright

Pleasant Jefferson Conkwright (October 23, 1905 – January 31, 1986) was an American graphic designer and typographer for the Princeton University Press.

Early life and education P.J. Conkwright was born on October 23, 1905, in the Oklahoma Territory to a missionary family. He was introduced to printing through his father in the creation of the church bulletin and a Boy Scout troop newspaper. In 1924, Conkwright enrolled at Oklahoma Baptist University transferring to the University of Oklahoma, the University of Missouri and landing at the University of Kentucky where he received his BA in history.

In 1929, he joined the staff at the University of Oklahoma Press where he also received his MA in English and history with an emphasis on American printing history, which was also his thesis. In 1934, he married Hazel Dale Boone.

From 1942 to 1976, he had 52 books selected for AIGA's “Fifty Books of the Year” contest. Among the most memorable work was the multivolume Jefferson Papers, where he designed the Linotype face, Monticello, for the volumes.

In 1955, he received the AIGA Gold Medal in recognition of his work. In 1974, the received the Goudy Award.

He died on January 31, 1986.