James P. Keenan

Not the most exhaustive collection of plates out there, but fun to flip through.
Good photos and explanations of many of the nameplates as well as explaining the periods they were developed and what made them fashionable.
Of course, as in all bookplate books, there are plenty of bookplates from famous people (maybe they were the only ones who could afford them back then?). But there are neat side stories about unknown folks who just had a passion for books.
A huge bonus with this book is show more that it's in color. There's nothing more frustrating than looking at flat grayscale photos of bookplates, while the author tells you all about the brillant reds and greens. But all of the color plates are appear color in this book.
A neat one to flip through for folks who like books, history, graphic design and symbology. show less

A pleasant illustrated book of bookplates from people famous and not, artists known and unknown.