Brewer's Dictionary of Names

How to tell if a signature is genuine

Author's signatures can undoubtedly increase the value of a rare book or first edition. The more scarce the book is, the more an autograph adds to its value. But how to tell if the signature is real? Find out how you can avoid common pitfalls in identifying an author's signature.

Michael Bond - the man behind Paddington Bear

“All the same ... it’s a very important name. And I don’t expect there are many bears in the world called Paddington!”

A lonely toy bear on an empty shop shelf on Christmas Eve in 1956 first captured the attention of Michael Bond, who kindly shared Paddington with the world.