American Book-Plates: A Guide to Their Study with Examples

"American Book-Plates: A Guide to Their Study with Examples" by Charles Dexter Allen is a late 19th-century exploration into the art and history of American book-plates, showcasing their development and importance with numerous examples. The book looks at artistic styles and the important people who made and used them throughout American history, recognizing the work of past experts and collectors and highlighting the rising interest in book-plates as part of American culture. Allen discusses the shift from imported designs to those made by American engravers, noting the different styles that emerged in the colonies, which all leads into an examination of book-plate types, styles, and historical backgrounds.