Typographic Research
1501 – First italics made – was made for small format or used in pocket books, where space demanded more condensed type.
Claude Garamond 1541 – He was born in Paris, France. became his own publisher, featuring his own types including a new italic. Made the font “Garamond” which is still in use today. He made it for a royally ordered book; Here is a picture http://www.citrinitas.com/history_of_viscom/images/masters/granjon.jpg
It’s hard to beat Garamond for legibility and just plain ole’ looking good.