One can't help but wonder how you would rank the letters. Any chance of a Top 26?
Mark, any ranking is an exercise in subjectivity. We all have our own personal favorites and biases. So, admittedly, my list may differ from those of others. Plus, ask me again tomorrow and it may change. Nevertheless, I'll take a crack at putting them in some sort of order. I will start with a top 5, which in my book have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the alphabet:
1. "R" - Simply the best. Equal parts bold and subtle. A lifetime of experience may not be enough to fully appreciate its every nuance. It is hard to believe that such a masterpiece could have been the brainchild of an amateur. While some may question the legend of how "R" was discovered (could it really have been seen from US-385?), no one can dispute its place at the top of any serious ranking.
2. "A" - This is where it all started. The home of the alphabet. Sure, new big words have pushed it toward the margins. And some just don't "get" it initially. But it is impossible to be a true man of letters without a deep understanding and appreciation of "A". And reverse "A" isn't to be missed if you ever get the chance to experience it.
3. "Z" - So close to "A" in spirit, yet the opposite in many ways. Whereas anyone can see "A", very few will ever be fortunate enough to get an invitation to view "Z". Some claim that its overly stenciled look has been detrimental to the font of other letters. But strip away all the glitter and it remains an absolutely fantastic example of strategic thinking...unless, of course, you are a woman.
4. "D" - A personal favorite. "D" just oozes minimalism. If I could only use words that begin with one letter for the rest of my life, I could pick "D" and write fulfilling prose. "D" doesn't disappoint. See!!!
5. "E" - For my money, easily the best of the moderns. A fantastic blend of classic concepts with contemporary flair. Simply brilliant. I just hope it survives.
I will follow with more thoughts if time permits.