An autograph is a document written entirely in the handwriting of its author, as opposed to a typeset document or one transcribed by an amanuensis or a copyist; the meaning overlaps with that of the word holograph. As the word is used by non-historians, it has come to mean a person's signature. This term is used in particular for the practice of collecting autographs of celebrities. The collection of autographs is also known as philography.

Customs

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In East Asia, an autograph from famous gentry is regarded as an honour. The value of an item bearing a high official's autograph could rise incredibly. In imperial China, an autograph from an emperor was priceless but selling an item bearing it could be a criminal offense.

In Europe and North America, asking for a celebrity's autograph used to be seen as a child's activity up to only a few decades ago. The boom of collecting autographs as a hobby came during the 1980s, and, as a consequence, many memorabilia dealers took notice, and what used to be an innocent hobby lost that innocence as both dealers and celebrities began to charge money for their signatures (especially on personal checks).

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RT @JakesJournal: Time Out Chicago is jazzed about @christianvdv coming to @Garmin_Chicago for autographs on Dec. 29: http://bit.ly/7VGcpy
PRluna (Kristine A Schumann) Thu, 24 Dec 2009 06:18:01 -0000
RT @JakesJournal: Time Out Chicago is jazzed about @christianvdv coming to @Garmin_Chicago for autographs on Dec. 29: http://bit.ly/7VGcpy
Just got back from Tacoma/Quest show. SICK. Got pictures, autographs, and a tee. Hok said my name in his BRITISH accent.
marclarc (Marc Lariza) Thu, 24 Dec 2009 06:15:47 -0000
Just got back from Tacoma/Quest show. SICK. Got pictures, autographs, and a tee. Hok said my name in his BRITISH accent.
@istruckd_Annie hella kids be messin' with him askin' for au Subscribe to Autographs RSS feed