This reprint of the second edition (1897) of the work dedicated to the ex libris by William John Hardy (1857-1919), a member of the prestigious Society of Antiquaries, is a milestone for everyone interested in this field, and for bibliophiles and collectors as well, and follows the first edition of this successful book, first printed in 1893: its author deals with their origins, their diffusion in Europe and in the world, their differet styles and other interesting topics (as, for instance, the female ex libris), with a particular attention to Heraldry; 42 illustrations enrich this volume with a fine selections of ex libris from every century.