MINIATURE BOOKS: 4,000 YEARS OF TINY TREASURES. by Bromer, Anne C. & Edison, Julian I. Foreword by Stanley Marcus. Preface by Eric Holzenberg - 2007

New York: Abrams, 2007. 216 pp, small 4to (10 3/4" H). Copper-coloured edges to textblock, integral ribbon bookmark. Profusely illustrated in colour throughout. This book was published to accompany an exhibition by the Grolier Club. "The variety of subjects that appear between these tiny covers is as diverse as that found in full-size books. Why would the world's literature, art, and history be published in miniature? Portability and accessibility are certainly two answers, but there are also compelling reasons for printers, artists, and binders to create intriguing volumes in a scaled-down size, and for collectors to possess these intricate and aesthetically pleasing objects. This is the first lavishly illustrated, authoritative volume on the delightful subject of books no taller than three inches. Its dazzling array is shown - with few exceptions - at 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 world's 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, Miro, and Edward Gorey. One section deals with the papers, printing, and binding used in these tiny marvels. Filled with great stories and fascinating people, 'Miniature Books' speaks not only 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." Previous owner's embossed blind stamp, small chop mark (stamp) and small pen notation at bottom of half-title page, tiny bump at top corner of boards, small line indentation on bottom of text block. Dust jacket has minor edge wrinling, very minor edge wear. . First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good+.