This is an alphabetical Register of Australian personal bookplates (sometimes known as Ex Libris, Latin from the library of (so-and-so)). The listing includes a number produced for Australian by overseas artists. Bookplates generally include a pictorial presentation, unique to the owner and plate. They may include a coat of arms (armorial), a crest, a picture or a calligraphic representation of the owner's name. They do not strictly include book labels, which tend to be simply a printed name, although it is very hard to distinguish between the two. Hoever, many book labels have been included, as they have been found in bookplate collections.
It is fifty years since Percy Neville Barnett published his magnum opus on bookplates, 'Australian Bookplates and Bookplates of Interest to Australia'. A number of publication have appeared since then on aspects of the subject, but this is the first major contribution to the subject since that time. 'Australian Personal Bookplates' is the first attempt to produce a register of Australian personal bookplates and probably the first attempt of any country to produce a complete register of bookplates used.
Features of the publication, 'Australian Personal Bookplates' includes:
- Register of over 5700 personal bookplates, with descriptive details, date created, artist etc.
- Index of artists
- Biographical details of prominent artists who have created bookplates
- Illustrated with 138 bookplates
- Details of the main bookplate collections in Australian libraries and art galleries
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Australian Personal Bookplates
Bookplate Societies and Collectors
Bookplate Artists
Bookplate Collections in Institutional Libraries
Notes on Register
The Register
Bibliography
Addendum
Colophon
Index of Bookplate Artists
