Years ago Apple had used ITC Garamond (Tony Stan, 1977) and algorithmically condensed it 80% for their corporate typeface. (It is presumed that the existing ITC Garamond Condensed, at 64%, was too narrow.) Apple decided at some point to create a true outline to improve the appearance. More…

A three-way agreement was made between Apple, ITC and Bitstream to develop this 80% width version. (Note that at this time ITC licensed only the outline artwork, no digital data, so each foundry effectively had their own cut of ITC fonts.) Bitstream used its cut of ITC Garamond, condensed it 80% and adjusted shapes, hairlines, weights, etc. Chuck Rowe then hinted the TrueTypes using RoyalT, incorporating diagonal hinting and deltas as well, all to Apple’s satisfaction. The fonts delivered to Apple were known as Apple Garamond.

Bitstream was allowed to sell the typefaces (six in all) by the name of ITC Garamond Narrow, which can be found in any of its older catalogues. As of January 2001, Bitstream is no longer licensed to sell ITC fonts including the ITC Garamond Narrow. According to Jim Lyles, these Narrow outlines were never given to ITC.

For all intents and purposes, therefore, ITC Garamond Narrow no longer exists and the condensed styles provide the nearest alternative.

Linotype offers ITC Garamond Book Condensed as part of its ITC Garamond family.