In the netherlands, the traditional vanguard, led by sjoerd h. de roos and the preeminent book designer of his generation, sought to revive the printing arts through a return to traditional standards. their guidelines included symmetrical layouts, tranquil harmony and balance, careful margin proportions, proper letter and word spacing, single traditional typefaces in as few sizes as possible, and skillful letterpress printing. they believed the typographer should first serve the text and otherwise remain in the background.