The earliest bookplates date from the mid-15th century in Europe, specifically Germany, and the mid-16th century in America.
A bookplate consists of a small label glued inside the front cover of a book that indicates ownership. As the invention of movable type brought book ownership to the public, book owners found it important to mark these rare possessions with their names.
Early bookplates of the mid-15th century were printed with wood engravings, while later bookplates were created from much more detailed copper engravings.
Along with owner information, early bookplates might have included a coat of arms, while later bookplates incorporated other graphics, such as depictions of the owner's estate or hobby. In the 19th century, bookplates often reflected popular art styles.
For more than 100 years, bookplates, also known as ex libris, have been collected by enthusiasts of the art form. The Rev. Augustus Brewer collected more than 12,600 bookplates that are now housed at the University of Delaware.