Since their introduction in the 8th century, when Charlemagne marked his royal initials on the shields of his troops, monograms have appeared in all manner of places as a bespoke form of personal expression. King Henry VIII monogrammed his body armor. Winston Churchill fancied monogrammed slippers. And Taylor Swift has used a stylized monogram to adorn the set of her concerts. In these captivating pages, monogram expert Cynthia Brumback shares her charming account of how monograms, once solely the domain of royals, have endured themselves to legions of aficionados who enthusiastically employ them to brand everything from wedding announcements and wine glasses to lingerie and lounge chairs.
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2012