Miniature Books : 4,000 years of tiny treasures by Bromer, A.C.; Edison, J.I.; Grolier Club - 2007

Harry N. Abrams, Inc. in association with the Grolier Club, New York, first edition, 2007. Pictorial boards, edges red gilt, 4to, 28 cm.,. 215, [1] pp, colour ills. Contents include: Foreword: My Enchantment with Miniature Books, by Stanley Marcus; Introduction; 1 Illuminated Manuscripts; 2 The Art of the Book; 3 Drops of Heavenly Dew;4 Almanacs for Daily Living; 5 The Smallest Books; 6 Books for the Young; 7 Presidents, Politics, and Propaganda; 8 Life's Pleasures; 9 Oddities and Objets d'Art; Appendices: Where Miniature Books Can Be Found; 125 Miniature Books in Selected Libraries; Notes; Index. From the blurb: " 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 hook that Anne Boleyn carried to her execution, seen open to its sole illustration, a portrait of Henry VILI. 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, Mirò, 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. Pinhead blemish to front board, otherwise Very Good in lightly fingersoiled dustwrapper.