alba amicorum en

Bound collections of autographs, writings, paintings, and drawings collected by the owner from his or her friends and acquaintances. Thought to have developed in German-speaking Europe in the mid-16th century; the custom was spread by students traveling from one university to another. Albums were soon compiled by people other than students, particularly men and women of the bourgeoisie. Albums belonging to members of the nobility usually contained drawings of coats-of-arms.