Autograph

An autograph is a person's own handwriting or signature. The word autograph comes from Ancient Greek (αὐτός, autós, "self" and γράφω, gráphō, "write"), and can mean more specifically:^[1]^[2]

a manuscript written by the author of its content.^[1]^[2] In this meaning the term autograph can often be used interchangeably with holograph.^[1]^[3]
a celebrity's handwritten signature.^[2] Autograph collecting is the activity of collecting such autographs.^[1]

History

The concept of an autograph, or a person's signature, has evolved significantly over millennia. The oldest known "autograph" is a Sumerian clay tablet dating back to around 3100 BC, which features the name of the scribe Gar.Ama. This early example demonstrates the importance of authorship and record-keeping in ancient Mesopotamian society.

Although no ancient written autographs have been discovered, the earliest authenticated autograph of a major historical figure is attributed to El Cid, a Castilian nobleman and military leader, whose signature appeared in a document from 1098. This signifies the growing recognition of individual identity and authorship during the medieval period.

Throughout history, autographs have taken various forms and held different meanings across cultures. In ancient Rome, for instance, public figures often used signatures to validate documents and communicate their authority. The practice continued to evolve in the Renaissance, with artists and writers beginning to sign their works as a mark of personal pride and recognition.

The significance of autographs further increased in the modern era, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, as collecting autographs became a popular hobby. Notable figures, such as authors, musicians, and political leaders, began to recognize the value of their signatures as a form of personal branding and legacy.

Today, autographs are not only cherished for their historical value but also for their connection to the individual, serving as tangible links to the past and symbols of cultural significance.

Autograph manuscript

"Autograph" can refer to a document transcribed entirely in the handwriting of its author, as opposed to a typeset document or one written by an amanuensis or a copyist. This meaning overlaps that of "holograph".^[3]

Celebrity's signature

Autograph collecting is the hobby of collecting autographs of famous persons.^[1] Some of the most popular categories of autograph subjects are presidents, military soldiers, athletes, movie stars, artists, social and religious leaders, scientists, astronauts, and authors.^[4]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Thompson, Edward Maunde (1911). "Autographs" . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 45–47.
^ ^a ^b ^c Gove, Philip B. (ed.), 1981. Webster's Third New International Dictionary, p. 147. ISBN 0-87779-206-2
^ ^a ^b Tomita, Yo (2016). "Autographs, Copies and Original Manuscripts". In Leaver, Robin A. (ed.). The Routledge Research Companion to Johann Sebastian Bach. Taylor & Francis. pp. 52–54. ISBN 9781315452807.
^ "Collection: Autograph Collection | USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections ArchivesSpace". archives.lib.usf.edu. Retrieved 2023-02-03.

External links

The Autograph at the HathiTrust Digital Library (early 20th-century periodical, full view)

[EB1911-1] Thompson, Edward Maunde (1911). "Autographs" . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 45–47.

[Webster's-2] Gove, Philip B. (ed.), 1981. Webster's Third New International Dictionary, p. 147. ISBN 0-87779-206-2

[Tomita-3] Tomita, Yo (2016). "Autographs, Copies and Original Manuscripts". In Leaver, Robin A. (ed.). The Routledge Research Companion to Johann Sebastian Bach. Taylor & Francis. pp. 52–54. ISBN 9781315452807.

[4] "Collection: Autograph Collection | USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections ArchivesSpace". archives.lib.usf.edu. Retrieved 2023-02-03.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]