Some of the illustrations have already appeared in connection with these articles in the Ex Libris Journal (Vol. III., pp. 151, 170; Vol. IV., pp. 17, 43, 57, 92); others are introduced here for the first time; but they are all well calculated to enhance the value of Mr. Vinycomb’s work, and to show what can be done by the various methods in use. Further, it may be safely assumed that all systematic collectors of book-plates will be glad to have in this handy and independent form an essay upon the practical side of a subject in which they have up to the present taken, perhaps, but a general or sentimental interest.

Thanks to the formation of the Ex Libris Society, the collection and preservation of book-plates has now reached something akin to a scientific position, and in large and valuable collections it has become more and more necessary to know how best to classify and arrange our acquisitions. This knowledge can therefore best be secured by studying such works as the present, by means of which the collector is able to judge of the age and value of a plate, or at any rate to fix an approximate date to those (and they are many) which have no printed date to fix their identity.

This little work comes as a valuable companion to Mr. Hamilton’s recently published work on “Dated Book-plates,” in which he deals with almost all the branches of the subject of most interest or value to collectors, but has, naturally, little to say upon the practical production of Ex Libris—leaving that to an expert in the person of the writer of the present essay. For practical engravers Mr. Vinycomb has probably said too much, or not enough, or has, perhaps, only told them what they knew already; but as the majority of collectors cannot be classed in this category, it may fairly be assumed that the author has filled a gap in book-plate literature which no previous writer has attempted to supply, and that his work will be found of great value to members of the Ex Libris Society, and to collectors of book-plates in general.

W. H. K. WRIGHT,
Editor Ex Libris Journal.

CONTENTS.

 Page
Preface[v.]
Introduction[ 1]
Wood Engraving[9]
Engraving on Copper and Steel[27]
Lithography[58]
Chromo-Lithography[65]
Photo-Lithography[65]
Drawing for Photo-Litho. and Process Work[67]
Process Blocks—Line Work[69]
” Half-tone Blocks[83]
Hints to Collectors of Ex Libris[91]
“Au Revoir”[95]