Ex Libris Excelsior! 8 Geeky Bookplates
Often referred to as an Ex-Libris, a bookplate was a pictorial device, usually stamped in the front cover of a book and adorned with a name and creative illustrations, indicating the owner of the book. Throughout the years, bookplates have been adorned with familial heraldry to basic decorative frames. Chances are you’ve seen pre-made bookplates in novels like Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events designed by Brett Helquist. The bookplate is an magnificent art form itself and some of the bookplates used by cultural luminaries are pretty awesome. Because I’m in love with the Ex-Libris, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite (geek related) bookplates.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The creator of Tarzan and John Carter of Mars, Burroughs’ nephew created a bookplate showcasing his character Tarzan holding the planet Mars in his arms.
Albert Einstein
Designed by Erich Buttner, 1917
H.P. Lovecraft
Author of “The Call of Cthulhu”
Designed by Wilfrid B. Talman
Via Fantasy Ink
Bernie Wrightson
This bookplate was designed by Wrightson himself, specifically for the release of the graphic novel adaptation of Creepshow.
H.G. Wells
Author of “War of the Worlds”
Bookplate designed by Robert Saldo.
Lewis Carroll
Mathematician and author of “Alice in Wonderland”
Harry Houdini
Escape artist and illusionist
Willy Ley
German/American science author and futurist
Designed by Olga Ley
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