Bookend

This article is about the physical object. For other uses, seeBookend (disambiguation).For the Simon & Garfunkel album, seeBookends (album).For the company, seeBookstop (company).

BookendArt Decoby sculptorRené van Dievoet.

Two busts used as bookends

A simple sheetmetal bookend

Abookendis an object tall, sturdy, and heavy enough that is placed at either end of a row of uprightbooksto support orbuttressthem. Heavy bookends—made ofwood,bronze,marble,and even largegeodes—have been used in libraries, stores, and homes for centuries; the simple sheetmetal bookend (originally patented in 1877 by William Stebbins Barnard)uses the weight of the books standing on its foot to clamp the bookend's tall brace against the last book's back; in libraries, simple metal brackets are often used to support the end of a row of books. Elaborate and decorative bookends are common as elements inhome decor.

The word "bookend" is also used metaphorically to refer to any pair of items which frame and define a significant or noteworthy event or place. For example, regarding the practice in theUnited StateswherebyMemorial DayandLabor Daydemarcate the traditional beginning and end ofsummer,those twoholidayscould be referred to as bookends. Bookends are usually made of metal and plastic.

See also

• Bookend terrace,a bookend effect in the design of terraced houses.

External links

• Bookend sizes
• The History of Bookends