A bookplate is simply a rectangular, decorative label that is usually pasted on the inside front cover of a book to denote the owner; i.e. “from the library of…”. These bookplates were known as ex-librīs, Latin for, “from the books of…”, according to several sources. The labels have been around for hundreds of years and have become collectable as art as they often bear beautiful and elaborate designs, crests, coat-of-arms, and other images and fancy typography.

An author signed bookplate is a variation on the theme of a classic bookplate. It allows for your copy of a book to be signed even if you have little chance of attending an event where the author can sign your book in person. Author signed bookplates are autographed, self-adhesive labels, which you can acquire when a direct signature is either impractical or impossible.