Curio

A selection of miniature books

1700s and 1800s
Bound volumes

The London Almanack: For the Year of Christ 1792
London: printed for the Company of Stationers, 1792
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
SAFE/ 79/87

The London Almanack: For the Year of Christ 1765
Miniature book
London: printed for the Company of Stationers, 1765
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
SAFE/ 76/11

Galileo a Madame Cristina di Lorenza,1896
Miniature book
Padova: Tip. Salmin, 1896
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
SAFE/ 89/586

Schloss' English Bijou Almanac
‘poetically illustrated’ by S Lover’, 1840
Miniature book
London: A Schloss, 1840
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
SAFE/ 84/456

Almanac for 1883
by Kate Greenaway
Miniature book
London: G Routledge, 1883
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
SAFE 88/649

Victoria, the Good Queen and Empress,1897
Miniature book
London: Gardner, Darton & Co, 1897
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
SAFE/ 89/587

These miniatures date from the 18th and 19th centuries, when miniature bibles, dictionaries and almanacs were the most popular editions. From the 19th century on, Children’s books, editions of Shakespeare and novels became increasingly popular, adding to the range of titles being produced in miniature form.

Although small in size, miniature books have had a big impact on the development of printing and bookbinding because of the exacting and intricate demands of their production. Miniature books require very fine paper, clear engravings and perfectly proportioned type. Binding requires particular skill and often included the production of a small carry in case with a magnifier.

Easily carried

The small size of the almanac ensured that it could be easily carried in a pocket or purse and many were beautifully bound. The 1792 example on display has a beautiful binding of green and red leather with gold embossing. The slip case matches the design of the binding.

Continuously in miniature

The London Almanack appeared continuously in miniature form for 200 years. The earliest known edition is for 1690 and is held in the British Library. From around 1736 the almanacs include views of London; the 1792 edition contains a view of the Guild Hall. Each almanac followed a similar pattern including a calendar, a table of the reigns of British kings and queens, exchange rates, stamp duties, high tides and details of eclipses of the sun and moon.