Operum

1505

Shoults Fb 1505 M

Jehan Petit

A book label is a much more simplistic device to use for signifying ownership. A label comprises the owner’s name only, and sometimes a little ornamentation. Despite their simplicity, they are effective. Indeed, some book collectors had both: an armorial bookplate and a label. In this early 16th century printing of Antonio Mancinelli’s works (Operum), bound in pigskin, there is the book label of the Frankfurt am Main-based book collector, Dr Georgius Klok. There is a slight flourish in the design. In addition, this book carries the purple stamp created by Selwyn College for the Rev. William Arderne Shoults Collection. Although it is certainly not attractive, it too is effective, and immediately recognisable.