Even though I love my Kindle (instant gratification can be soooo satisfying), here is one more reason to keep buying physical, can touch 'em, hold 'em and loan 'em books - bookplates. My father was an English teacher and had a great love of books. One day when I was about seven, I opened one of my father's books and saw this strange and beautiful label with his name on it on the inside cover. I was fascinated. It looked so regal. I knew then and there that books were important and something to be cherished.I love everything about bookplates, from their practicality (yes, you can get your books back) to their art. I love how some bookplates look positively medieval, some like Art Deco, some modern. They can be
fanciful, romantic, scary, or stark. They can be charming and friendly or dark and demanding. Choosing your bookplate is like choosing an outfit for your first day of school. It sets a tone. It tells others a little bit about you.Judging from the vast amount of images available for bookplates, I like to think that there are still many readers who value and use this wonderful little label. I think that perhaps a personalized set of bookplates would make a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative. Long live bookplates!
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