| 9780810992993 |
| 081099299X |
Available:*
Library | Material Type | Call Number | Shelf Location | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... East Library | Book | 099. B868M | Nonfiction | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
Miniature books, most of which are less than three inches (76.2mm) tall and some almost too small to see, have delighted readers for centuries. Popular because they were easily carried or concealed, these historic books range from tiny thumb bibles to illustrated nursery rhymes. They can be traced back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, before the invention of printing, when text was handwritten and pictures painted. With the development of the printing press, thinner paper and smaller typefaces, the number of miniature books published increased. Little books served very practical purposes: holding information in easily portable and compact spaces. Nobles, nuns, priests, students and lay persons found it easier to travel with miniature books tucked into pockets or attached to girdles and belts. Painters enjoyed the challenge of making them with extravagant bindings of tortoise shell, leather, sterling silver, embroidery and vellums. Napoleon had a miniature traveling set of Shakespeare's plays. The miniature books found with in this title are drawn from a private collection of over 15,000 books. It is published in association with the Grolier Club, New York.
Reviews (3)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Published in conjunction with a May 16-July 28 exhibition at the Grolier Club in New York, this handsome volume traces the history of books ranging in height from three inches to less than a quarter of an inch. Included are books of many kinds, often containing beautiful illustrations-illuminated medieval and Renaissance devotional books, including the world's smallest Bible, chained to its own little lectern; Arabic and Indian scriptures; and the complete works of Shakespeare in a miniature revolving bookcase. Some of these books were intended for amusement, such as those made for Queen Mary's dolls' house; others have more practical uses, such as small traveling libraries and little Hebrew books that could be concealed in times of persecution. The smallest book ever is a New Testament printed in 24-karat gold on a silicon chip. There are elegant bindings in materials such as leather, mother-of-pearl and gold filigree. In their informative text, Bromer, a rare book dealer, and Edison, a collector, discuss the diverse contents of these tiny volumes, as well as papermaking, printing processes and publishers. Their delightful book is a feast for the eye, with more than 260 color illustrations in which most of the books are pictured in actual size. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Choice Review
This catalog of the summer 2007 exhibition at The Grolier Club in New York City celebrates books no taller than three inches. The excellent historical introduction reproduces two Babylonian clay tablets dating from more than 4,000 years ago. These and the other items reproduced in this sumptuous publication are indeed treasures. As is suitable for a publication of The Grolier Club, this work includes abundant information on the collecting of these books and on aspects of their publication, such as illustrations, type, paper, and bindings. Moreover, the beautifully designed catalog is itself a work of art with full-color illustrations. The authors also provide information on institutional collections. This is as complete a survey of the subject as could be written. Bromer (rare book dealer) and Edison (editor, Miniature Book News) have been fascinated by miniature books for many years, and the selection for the exhibition includes medieval and modern manuscripts, ancient classics, poetry, drama, cookbooks, medical texts, religious texts for children, portable books for traveling, modern artists' books, even a miniature hornbook from the early 19th century. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Institutions with miniature book collections and programs in the history of the book; general readers, lower-/upper-level undergraduates, and graduate students. G. B. Barnhill American Antiquarian Society
Library Journal Review
Rare-books dealer Bromer and Edison (editor, Miniature Book News), a collector, have collaborated on what is clearly a labor of love. This beautifully made, gilt-edged volume, published in association with the Grolier Club of New York, complements an exhibit traveling to four institutions. But it is more than a catalog, offering a concise and careful history of the miniature book as well as more than 260 carefully chosen full-color illustrations, most of which are examples of books reproduced in their actual size. The illustrations consistently appear in proximity to the text discussing the works shown so that the text flows nicely, allowing any reader a delightful glimpse into this very specific area of book production and collecting. A miniature book is generally any book smaller than three inches in height and, as shown by the examples-beginning with Babylonian tablets and ending with a Bible on a silicon chip-the possibilities appear to be endless. A unique work that would make a fine choice for any library; essential for libraries collecting in the graphic arts.-Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
