 |
| Koran: A gilded edition, circa 1900; 1-1/2 inches by 1 inch. Courtesy of Steve Adams Studio/Bromer Booksellers |
Tiny tomes on display
Before the introduction of mass-produced paperbacks, miniature books were prized for their portability, beauty, and craftsmanship.
from the July 27, 2007 edition
Page 2 of 2
Page 1 | 2
"We wanted to break the stereotype of miniature books being thought of as gimmicks," she says.
Not only did small volumes show off the skills of craftsmen, but their size also enabled them to be hidden. Jewish families for centuries relied on easily concealed prayer books to keep their faith alive in hostile lands. An English medical treatise on birth control, published 1832, became so popular it was reprinted at full size and was credited with helping drive down Britain's birthrate.
Bromer periodically stops by the library exhibition to greet visitors and share her enthusiasm for these Lilliputian masterpieces. Visitors peer into the cases with awe: Few have ever seen anything like these books, she says. They are amazed that the makers would lavish such care over small objects, and also that the texts are legible (although some require magnifying devices that were often cleverly housed in the covers).
She points out that the art of miniature books continues to be practiced today.
Every category covered in full-size books has its parallel in miniature, including children's literature, science, nature, religion, philosophy, politics, humor, travel, food, arts, and music. The first miniature books for children appeared in 1740, when a London bookseller, Thomas Boreman, began a series on noteworthy London architecture that he charmingly called "The Gigantick Histories."
"He was a great marketer," says Bromer, noting that Boreman produced the books in two-volume sets that he advertised would fit one in each of the child's pockets so that "there would be no fear of growing lopsided."
Visitors will wish they could carry home a few of these tempting little volumes in their pockets, to be thumbed through and enjoyed both for their artistry and for their piquant history.
• "Miniature Books: 4,000 Years of Tiny Treasures" is at the Grolier Club in New York through July 28 and at the Boston Public Library through Sept. 2. For additional information visit www.bromer.com and www.grolierclub.org .
1 | Page 2
RSS feed
