Caslon, William (1692-1766) , English typefounder, born in Cradley, Worcestershire. He began his career in London as an engraver of firearms and later became a tool cutter in a book bindery. He then opened a typefoundry and developed a remarkably legible type, notable for the simplicity of its design and for its readability.

The outstanding printers of the period in both Europe and the United States were supplied by Caslon's foundry. In 1776 the American Declaration of Independence was printed in Caslon type. The type diminished in popularity in the early 19th century, but about 1845, printers again began to use it widely.