| Decorative bookends are a great way to add a | | | | like marble and granite. Symbols of strength and |
| touch of style to your living space. In spite of | | | | durability, marble, granite and similar materials are |
| predictions that books will fall victim to the digital age, | | | | often carved into beautiful and functional bookends. |
| many people place a special value on their personal | | | | These stone types are also a popular media for |
| book collections. There are classical styles of | | | | sculpting, and can be seen in some of worlds most |
| bookends, which can not only define the look of the | | | | inspired works of art. From The Thinker by Auguste |
| room, but also reflect important aspects of human | | | | Rodin, to the great classical sculptures of |
| history. | | | | Michelangelo, some of the worlds great sculptures |
| A particularly popular style of bookend reflects the | | | | have been made into replica bookends. |
| architectural styles of antiquity. Replicas of structures | | | | Modern day structures are often the subject of |
| such as the Coliseum in Rome pay tribute to some | | | | bookends. Bookend replicas of such iconic structures |
| of the most recognizable structures in the world. The | | | | as the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, are very |
| Greeks are credited with developing unique styles of | | | | popular. Famous bridges, essentially cut in half, not |
| building columns that were copied by the Romans. | | | | only hold your book collection securely in place, but |
| Various column orders from the Doric and Tuscan to | | | | also can be reminiscent of that trip to San Francisco |
| Ionic have inspired various bookend styles. | | | | and the Golden Gate Bridge. Anyone who has been |
| The Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt were built as | | | | to the New York City Public Library remembers the |
| tombs and repositories. Detailed replicas of these | | | | twin lions guarding the front of the building. Strong |
| great structures can be found in bookend form and | | | | and silent, these kings of the literary jungle are one |
| feature a great deal of surface relief. The pyramid | | | | most popular subjects for landmark bookends. |
| shape carries tremendous significance and is popular | | | | The famous Tower Bridge in London spans the |
| form seen in modern and antique bookends. Pyramids | | | | Thames River. Beautiful replicas of this historic |
| were also an important architectural feature of | | | | structure can add a touch of English history to your |
| western cultures such as the Mayans. The classic and | | | | bookshelf or fireplace mantel. The Tower of Big Ben |
| unique shape of the Mayan pyramid, have inspired | | | | and the Parliament Building will keep your literary |
| many different styles of bookends. | | | | collection standing straight but can add to the |
| A feature of churches, cathedrals and other religious | | | | conversation at your next social gathering. |
| structures, gargoyles are often menacing in | | | | Various materials are used to replicate history in the |
| appearance and were once thought to frighten off | | | | form of a bookend. While granite and marble |
| evil spirits. Gargoyles have also appeared on the | | | | bookends can be somewhat pricey, other materials |
| facades of other structures, from the Gothic to Art | | | | have been used to reproduce the smooth feel of |
| Deco. Happy faced gargoyles once graced the | | | | marble or the heft and grain of granite. Alabaster and |
| ancient baths of the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. | | | | alabastrite have been used for many years as a |
| Like the belief in the ethereal power of the pyramids, | | | | media for sculpting. Smooth and more easily worked, |
| the fierce look of the gargoyles can grace any | | | | alabaster is most often seen as pure white. Marble |
| bookshelf, scare away the demons and keep your | | | | dust is combined with various resins giving the look |
| books in order. | | | | of marble without the price. |
| Many ancient structures were built from stone types | | | | |