A bookplate, or Ex Libris, is a small print for pasting inside the cover of a book to express ownership. The first books were highly valuable and prestigious objects to own, hence the first bookplates usually incorporated the decorative coats of arms of the fabulously wealthy. By the late nineteenth century, bookplates had developed into a highly imaginative form of the engravers and printmakers art in miniature. This delightful book showcases bookplates drawn from the rich collections of the British Museum, including works created by some of the most talented artists of their day, such as Albrecht Dürer, Edward Burne-Jones, Aubrey Beardsley and Eric Gill. Equally it shows how the content of bookplates has evolved over the years to feature a vast range of allegory and symbolism often incorporating a pun on the owners name uniquely relevant to that individual. For example, the bookplate for a professor of Sanskrit features Hindu imagery, while a Venetian publisher is associated with a lion, the symbol of his city. Endlessly diverse, surprising and touching, this is a book that will be treasured by art-lovers and book-lovers alike.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
| |||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Review
'...[a] modestly priced, beautifully produced introduction to the art of bookplates... admirably concise and thought provoking... The book's card cover with generous flaps will rightly draw in many people who have yet to encounter Ex Libris and its content will whet their appetite for more.' --The Bookplate Journal, May 2011
'Endlessly diverse and charming... traces the design evolution [of bookplates].' --Apollo, March 2011 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
'Endlessly diverse and charming... traces the design evolution [of bookplates].' --Apollo, March 2011 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
About the Author
Martin Hopkins was curator of prints at the Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, from 1977 to 1997. He is now a freelance art critic and writer; his publications include Italian Prints 1875-1975 (British Museum Press 2007).
Martin Hopkins was curator of prints at the Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, from 1977 to 1997. He is now a freelance art critic and writer; his publications include 'Italian Prints 1875-1975' (British Museum Press, 2007). --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Martin Hopkins was curator of prints at the Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, from 1977 to 1997. He is now a freelance art critic and writer; his publications include 'Italian Prints 1875-1975' (British Museum Press, 2007). --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
There are no customer reviews yet on Amazon.co.uk.
5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars
4 reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent niche publication.
4 Nov 2011
By EastCoastAl
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is an excellent treatment of a highly overlooked art form. A sub class of printmaking and drawing. It is both a thorough and concise treatment.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Book!
29 Nov 2012
By Marilyn Varley
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
An intimate and loving history of a special little kind of art that is just as collectable as the books they are found in.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice range of examples
13 Nov 2012
By W. Whatley
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this for my husband and was happy to see that it had a bookplate on each page with just a short description. Since he is mainly interested in the artwork, this was perfect. Great little book!
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 4 reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Art, Architecture & Photography > Graphic Arts > Illustration
- Books > Home & Garden > Antiques & Collectables > Antiques & Collectables by Subject > Books, Magazines & Printed Matter > Books
- Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism > History & Criticism
- Books > Reference > Publishing & Books > Books & Reading
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
