In the past times, the beautiful ornaments adoring books were printed with the help of engraved plates, usually made of copper. Engarving such plates was an separate art with its history and prominent representatives. This book tells about different varieties and types of bookplates, how they are prepared and used in book printing. Also, it casts light on the masters of bookplate engraving, giving analysis of their works.

Collection of 761 miniature works of art representing 500 years of the bookplate from the first known example -- ca. 1450 -- to a wide range of fascinating 20th-century designs. Introduction.