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What Is a Signed Bookplate?

A bookplate is a small card or label adhered inside a book, typically to the inside front cover, designating either the book's author or the book's owner. Also known as ex libris, meaning "from the library of" in Latin, a signed bookplate with its author's or owner's signature can range from a basic library card to an elaborate design engraved by a famous artist.

History
- Since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, the adornment of signed bookplates to the inside of books has been regarded as a legitimate and distinguished art form. Many famous figures in history have designed their own personal signed bookplates. Queen Victoria, Franklin Roosevelt and Walt Disney are just a few examples.
Types
- Since the bookplate's inception, many techniques have been used in their creation. These include woodcuts, metal engravings, silk-screens and drawings done with pen or pencil. Bookplates can also be classified as an ownership, or owner-signed, bookplate or an authorship, or author-signed, bookplate.
Worth
- Bookplate collecting is a worldwide phenomenon with societies established all over the globe. Both duplicates and originals are traded and alter the value of the book. Unless signed by a notable figure, an ownership bookplate will decrease the value of a book. An authorship bookplate will increase the value of a book.

Other Collecting