Inscribed - a book, or other printed piece, with a handwritten and signed statement usually written for a specific named person(s) and often located on the end paper or title page when "inscribed" is used to describe a book, unless otherwise stated, it is implied that the author has written the inscription.
To my shame, I've organized and helped run hundreds of book signings and never previously gave this standard advice much thought. The prevailing wisdom in literary circles over the past decade or two has been to ask an author for a plain signature when getting a book autographed (some collectors even purchase two copies, asking the author to inscribe one to them for their 'permanent collection,' and to simply sign their name to the other one, which they will hold onto in the hopes its value appreciates - sellers of new books have no qualms about endorsing this point of view, although antiquarian booksellers know there is no certainty of modern firsts becoming valuable collectibles, and strongly caution collectors against viewing them as such).
But, once I began working for antiquarian booksellers, I discovered the question is much more complex.Ī comment on the ABAA Facebook page recently asked why some booksellers appear to prefer plain signed books, rather than inscribed ones? While trying to find the answer, I encountered an interesting tale of changing fashions and the dark side of book collecting. What's better: a simple author signature, or an inscription? As a longtime bookseller - a veteran of Borders, Waldenbooks, and independent bookstores - I thought I knew the answer.
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