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Miniature Books Through the Years

Miniature Books by the Numbers

Miniature Books at Oxy

Resources & Acknowledgements

An online exhibition of miniature books and how they have evolved throughout the years.

Bible History 1814 Bible History is Occidental’s earliest printed miniature book. “Thumb Bibles” were very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and summarized the entire Bible for children or adults who needed a small devotional or prayer book to fit into a pocket or strap onto a girdle.
The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 1822 A gift to the Occidental library from Edith W. Taylor, The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ contains the unabridged New Testament.  At 4 ½ inches tall, The New Testament is not officially a miniature book, but a pocket-sized book.  Until the 19th century, most small books were Bibles or prayer books, but Greek and Latin classics and classic poetry were also common.
The Marvelous Miniature Library Nineteenth Century These miniature classics were designed to fit into a saddlebag, and feature a snap-front leather case and straps to keep the books secure as they were carried about.  This collection enabled travelers with a premium on storage space to read while on their journeys.
Monster Laffs Tiny Tales 1965 These books were dispensed as prizes from a gumball machine. Created by C.H.P. Press, they were donated to Occidental by collector Edith W. Taylor.
You Can Judge a Book by its Cover 1995 Mel Kavin, the late owner and operator of Kater-Crafts Bookbindery in Pico Rivera, was an avid miniature book collector himself, having amassed over 1,200 titles.  After many years spent collecting the books, he decided to make one himself.  He assembled a group of bookmakers including writer Bernard Middleton, whose work he admired, to create this book, which gives an overview of the art of bookbinding.
An Imperfect Solution Joe d'Ambrosio 1997 This miniature book chronicles the fairy-tale quest of Princess Sunny to find her prince--with the help of a frog.  Artist Joe d'Ambrosio incorporated pop-up details and 3D media, such as coral, shells, and jewelry.
Alphabet Tricks Diane Jacobs 2000 Diane Jacobs' "alphabet book" contains 15 transparent sleeves that each contain letters representing sexist language against women.
	Flower Delight 2004 Created by Washington-based artist Jill Timm, this artists’ book is a part of an 11-book set showcasing nature photography with little or no text.  Miniature book collectors debate whether artists’ books can be legitimately included in a collection, due to their lack of text and non-traditional bindings (note accordion-style binding).  However, these books have earned approval from Miniature Book Society president Neale   Albert, whose photography is showcased in Flower Delight.
Winter White 2004 Part of the same set as Flower Delight, Winter White features book artist Jill Timm's own photography.

For a full listing of miniature books at Oxy, please click here.

 

 Page last edited by on 03/06/2013.
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