Book-Plates

In this witty little handbook, the author champions the modest yet fascinating hobby of collecting book‑plates—those tiny artistic labels that mark a book’s ownership. With a mixture of gentle sarcasm and genuine enthusiasm, he traces the evolution of the practice from medieval heraldic shields to the more whimsical designs of the nineteenth century. The narrative is peppered with nods to celebrated illustrators such as Millais, Crane, and Greenaway, whose contributions lift the art form above mere decoration.

Beyond history, the work offers practical counsel for assembling a personal archive, weighing chronological, genealogical, and topographical arrangements without dogmatic prescription. Suggestions for mounting plates on sturdy cards, numbering portfolios, and preserving each piece are presented in clear, accessible language. Readers will come away with both an appreciation of the aesthetic charm of book‑plates and a sensible roadmap for nurturing their own collection.