Writers and Bookplates

Exchanging duplicates with other collectors is one of the things I find most enjoyable in this little hobby I dwell on each week. In a recent exchange I received a copy of Schätze der Exlibriskunst
by Heinz Decker (Isbn 3-925300-44-9). It was published by The German Exlibris Society
http://www.exlibris-deg.de/
The book is profusely illustrated and belongs in your reference library if you are interested in bookplates used by writers.The section that I found most interesting is called Erfundene,dedizierte und postume Dichterexlibris (loosely translated, with the assistance of Google it means invented and dedicated posthumously ) . Some of these "honorarium" plates are illustrated below.
I have unknowingly bid for several of them on Ebay .

James Joyce (1882-1941) by Johnny Friedlaender

Thomas Mann (1875-1955) by Emil Preetorius

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle( 1859- 1930) D.F.A. Sc , K.L.G.,Fec.

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) by Michel Fingesten

Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849) designer unknown

Here is a link to Claus Wittal , a very knowledgeable dealer and publisher who can assist you in ordering this book.

http://www.exlibrisart.com/

While I am wearing my book reviewer hat I would also recommend Books, A Memoir by Larry McMurtry. It has nothing to do with bookplates but if you like browsing in antiquarian bookshops you will probably enjoy reading this book.

See you next week.