Ex Libris

Until recently, I thought the term ex libris referred to books the local library didn’t want anymore. You know, the ones marked “50 cents” sitting on that squeaky cart by the door.

More generically though, it means “From the library of” and refers to any book that’s part of a library – including one’s personal collection. Historically, private libraries were one of the most cherished pieces of a household. Inside each book you could a bookplate, many inscribed with ex libris and the name of the owner. It was the only acceptable form of personalization one could make to a book – anything more was considered defacement.

When well done, custom bookplates are elegant little graphic statements about their owner – instantly identifying the library from which it originates. Whether a drawing of a simple ribbon with room for a signature… or the clever representation of the etymology of the owner’s name, bookmarks are an elegant way to mark ownership of a book. Occasionally, they transcend their purpose to become a tiny work of art.

In my limited experience, no artist has made bookplates that approach those of Rockwell Kent (1882-1971). Whether in woodcuts or pen and ink, Kent applied his signature art deco style to craft wondrous compositions – every bit as beautiful as anything contained in the books they marked.