By definition, a miniature book is one that measures 10 centimeters or less in height. The Libraries’ Miniature Book Collection consists of 116 books that spans four centuries from 1605 to 1991. Due to their size, age and/or rarity, miniature books are housed in Special Collections.
Often made with the thinnest paper, and printed with the smallest type, this collection consists of elaborately decorated bindings, simple paper wrapped covers, and books with wooden boards. Books on a variety of topics can be found in the collection, a collection that is rich in prose, poetry, philosophy, and religious writings with titles ranging from the classics (La divinia commedia) to the obscure (Napoleon: poeme). Authors represented in miniature include the humanists, the humorous, and the politicians such as Petrarch, Charles Dickens, and George Washington.
The Miniature Book Collection exhibit will be on display throughout the Spring 2015 semester in Special Collections located on the second floor [off of the North Reading Room] of the Glenn G. Bartle Library.