book plates made by a buffalo man, 1911

Book plates are little devices created especially for you; embodying your individual tastes or coat of arms. One pasted inside the front of your book not only ornaments the volume, but to the borrower with a defective memory, is a constant reminder of your ownership. - artist C. Valentine Kirby, 1911. 

Sometimes, when browsing used books, you'll find a decoratively illustrated imprint or sticker indicating whose library the title once belonged too. It tells you a little about its former owner, who either cared enough to individually mark their books with illustrations that reflected their personal style, such as a sense of humour or a flair for the romantic, a tribute to family history, or betray an inflated ego.

Inspired by an exhibit in Salem, Massachusetts, The Buffalo Sunday News placed a spotlight on book plates in its October 29, 1911 edition, focusing on the work and thoughts of artist Clarence Valentine Kirby (1875-1947). In the years following this piece, Kirby served as Director of Arts Education for Pittsburgh's public school system, then over a quarter-of-a-century as Supervisor of Art for the Department of Public Instruction in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He believed that forms of culture as diverse as retail merchandising displays and magazines contributed to the ability to appreciate good art. 

Click on image for full-size article. All images from October 29, 1911 Buffalo Sunday News.