French Book-plates

"French Book-plates" by Walter Hamilton is a historical exploration of French ex-libris, which are essentially book-plates. It covers their origins in the 1500s to the late 1800s. It is especially made for people passionate about books, this study explains the history and designs and how collecting came about in Europe. The book starts by talking about how book-plates became a popular hobby. Hamilton mentions people who contributed to understanding ex-libris and what kind of information he included to teach people about the importance and evolution of art. Insignias and messages found on book-plates are discussed, with their cultural relevance. This serves as an opening to the detailed chapters to come.