Originally published in 1895. Introduction: For four hundred years the fashion for Ex libris has waxed and waned. The eighteenth century witnessed, perhaps, its most glorious phase. Although at present, there is a universal revival of the art, in some ways the modern book-plate is found wanting. This is certainly not from lack of inventive and imaginative power on the part of the designer, but from the inferior methods of modern processes, which often spoil the work of the artist......This comprehensive guide is extensively illustrated throughout and will appeal greatly to any historian. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.