The History, Impact, and Modern Legacy of Times New Roman Times New Roman is arguably the most recognizable typeface in human history. For decades, it served as the default visual voice of the digital age, shaping how we read everything from high school essays to legal briefs and daily news. Despite its ubiquity, few people know the story of its creation, which was born out of a public insult, corporate rivalry, and a strict requirement for mechanical efficiency. The Birth of a Classic: A Newspaper’s Defiance