Miniature Books: 4,000 Years of Tiny Treasures

by Anne C. Bromer, Julian I Edison

"Miniature Books" is the first lavishly illustrated, authoritative book on the delightful subject of books no taller than three inches. A dazzling array of books on subjects ranging from Shakespeares plays and the Holy Bible to politics and presidents, childrens books, the pleasures of life, and more are shownwith few exceptionsat their actual size.
Here is the prayer book that Anne Boleyn carried to her execution, seen open to its sole illustration, a portrait of Henry VIII. Here also are the worlds two smallest books (impossible to be sure which is tinier). There are books studded with gemstones, books that Napoleon carried with him on his campaigns, books illustrated by artists such as Picasso, Mir, and Edward Gorey. And there is a section dealing with the papers, printing, and binding of these tiny marvels. The text is lively and accessible, full of great stories and fascinating people. It will appeal to the experienced collector, but also to the one just starting out and to anyone who loves the look and feel of a good book.

Genres: Books About Books, Nonfiction, History, Art

208 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[brian tanabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only a very, very small group of people who can appreciate this book. But I dont mean to say it's an elite group, high above humanity looking down, it's more akin to that rare breed of person that collects those little mouse people nativity sets. Just a small group of people. That being said, I cannot imagine a more splendid book on this subject matter. An exceptionally well done book.

[R.B. Lemberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lavishly illustrated book on miniature books, lovingly written and researched, whimsical and marvelous. It even includes a section on miniature marbling papers, which is something I wondered about. There is a small section on miniature Judaica books, and I want to know more about that. Yes, there is also a section titled "veto of an act restraining cats" with a photograph of a miniature book with the IL governor's veto of an act that proposed the leashing of cats. Sadly, Russian miniature books were not really covered. They are fabulous and there are many of them - it was something of a fad in the 19th century.

Putting this one into my to-own wishlist immediately.

[Adrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of photographs and they're life-size unless noted otherwise.

[MKF · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing alone would barely rate two stars but the pictures are amazing! Me and my youngest kept picking out the ones we wanted.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and thought-provoking, this well-researched volume provides a thorough overview of miniature books across history, from ancient 2-inch clay tablets inscribed with Cuneform to a modern silicon chip only 5mm across. The text is clear and precise, and the author does an impressive job of conveying the facts in a straightforward manner. She does not try to sensationalize or offer personal critiques—she trusts her subject matter to be interesting enough to stand on its own, and she trusts her readers to draw their own conclusions. The books highlighted here range from novelty books to serious tomes, and some are deeply tied to major historical events. There is something here for just about everyone. Rich, full-color illustrations, most of which are actual size, elevate this book even further. Wholly remarkable.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. So many high quality photographs. Wonderful text giving the history and flavor of the miniature book genre.

[Helen Geng]

Read October 2020

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boyfriend got me this book after we went to a miniature book exhibit at the Boston Public Library curated by Anne C. Bromer. The pictures are amazing--they definitely make you want to start your own miniature book collection! Did you know Franklin D. Roosevelt collected miniature books? Or that a miniature book flew to the moon and back? Overall, one of the best books about books I've read.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! You have to see the illustrations to believe it -- books averaging 2-3 inches (some even smaller!) with beautiful illumination, text, covers. Historically started with the "Book of Hours" (prayer books) with amazing artwork, but then went on to include complete set of Shakespeare, presidential biographies, and more. All itty bitty, yet readable, text.

Really, fascinating.

[Jessica Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would agree that the pictures are very well done and the subject pretty neat. However the writing is terrible. It was hard to follow what the author was talking about. The writting is poorly organized with no transitions. It was also poorly edited. More heading would of helped with the presentation and the pictures are often not on the same page as the discussion.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book of amazing books! I've always thought this teeny tiny books were so incredible! The smallest I have ever seen, were made to be viewed under a microscope! Little works of art and labors of love for sure.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some rather dry text, but OH the books! Gorgeous glossy reproductions and lots of eye and brain candy.

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over-sized book discussing tiny ones! Lovely - lots of examples. Goes through history and types.