This is a bookplate in my falling-apart copy of Peter Rabbit, probably given to me when I was born. The book is older than I am. I come from a big “bookplate” family, and my dad loved them, and knew a lot about them. I posted this on Facebook and my aunt Regina (my dad’s sister) swooped in to give a backstory. Regina wrote:
These bookplates were from Pop to me and then I gave them to my brothers. I may not have this right but I have this same bookplates in my early books!
So this bookplate comes from my grandfather, to my aunt, to my dad, to me.
I was probably 4 years old when I wrote my name there. Looking at it, I can feel the grim determination to get that pesky “S” into formation. Still needs a bit of work.
Old books is best books!
I have a book that dates back to my very early childhood (currently on extended hold for both of my kids to be old enough to safely handle) that was a gift from family and has a book plate; I think a couple of my sister’s old books do too. I wonder if bookplates are a generational thing, something that once was a common tradition and then faded away?
I love that you have a book plate too!
I bet there are people who sell custom-made ones on Etsy and the like for those who have nostalgia for them. They seem very generational! I should get some for my nieces and nephews!
Barnes & Noble sell them, I bought some a while ago, and saw them again just yesterday in the store. I love bookplates, and put them in books I know I will never part with.
I love the graphics of the yours, so sweet! I never thought of trying Etsy for them-going to check that out.
Yeah, I bet some creative people on there have come up with some really cool ones – let me know if you find any!!
I love bookplates. I have a set in an antique box I found in an antique store years ago and have them on a little curio cabinet displayed with antique post cards.
I love that so many people love bookplates!!
Oiseaux on Etsy has some really lovely ones — many reminiscent of your plate, actually. I got some a couple of years ago for my niece. Come to think of it, I should buy some for her little sister.
Thank you so much for the heads-up, Kris! I will check it out! They would make great birthday presents for my book-loving family – thank you!