Books about Ex Libris or Bookplates

Temporarily out-of-stock.   By Anatolii Kalashnikov.Moscow:  Evrika, 1993. Kalashnikov RE (Hon), SWE (Hon), one of the most talented wood engravers of all time, designed more than 1,000 bookplates, of which 500 of his choice – 47 in color – are illustrated in this magnificent book. Kalashnikov as a man was larger than life, and this translated into his art, which was explosive, emotional, masculine, so essentially Russian in its depth and intensity. His bookplates occupy a central place in the international bookplate movement of the 1960-90s, each an admirable representative of the Russian national tradition in wood engraving yet embodying universal ideals. Hardback with dustjacket, 576 pp.

By Brian North Lee. London: The Bookplate Society and Forlaget Exlibristen, 1985.  Limited edition of 600 copies. Bookplates associated with London are annotated and illustrated in this comprehensive study.  210 x 297 mm, 165 pp, red paper covers.

By W E Butler. London: Primrose Hill Press, 2000. The definitive work on the history of the bookplate in North America. The bookplate or ex libris is an accoutrement of every fine private and public library, indeed of all who treasure their books. American collectors have been fascinated by bookplates since the earliest days of colonial printing and have collected and commissioned them as part of the building of personal and public libraries. The heritage of American bookplate collecting and design is discussed and the biographies of more than 140 American designers are set forth in this book, together with mention of more than 800 other American artists of the bookplate. The author explains how one may commission a bookplate, how to form a bookplate collection and where to join societies dedicated to the subject. 155 pp. Hardback with dustjacket.