Articles — autographs

The desire to collect written works and signatures of people has been around since ancient Roman times. Many people went to great lengths to preserve the manuscripts of Aristotle and thank goodness they did! Because of the value they placed on the written word we’re able to study Aristotle’s teachings today. The first autograph book – or “book of friends” – was compiled in 1466. Autographs of friends and people a person knew would be obtained to show others who you knew. Some inscribers also made small sketches next to their signature. These were valuable books of communication and could...