Small things inspire tenderness. They ask us to be gentle, to admire the fine craftsmanship, and to appreciate that what we are holding is a treasure. There is something especially enchanting about miniature books and their rich history, dating as far back as 2500 BCE in the form of Babylonian cuneiform tablets. To be truly considered miniature, a book must be no more than three inches in height, width, and thickness, however, they come much smaller than this.

The production of miniature books throughout history reflects the incredible skill and care needed to print and bind these little works of art. Some were manufactured for convenience and portability and some for the novelty of miniature curiosities, designed to enchant and to be cherished. While miniature books certainly delight, they also tell us much about our history and what was considered most significant at various times. The more important the text, the more likely it was to be carried on one’s person in miniature book form.

Miniature worlds and the little books we put in them will always be a source of great fascination. We hope the tiny enchantments displayed in this exhibit demonstrate the role of miniature books in history and in the history of book production, and that they bring delight to all who view. Read more.

CURATOR: Ellen Cummings, Special Collections Intern Fall 2019, University of Rhode Island GSLIS 2020

On view in Fleet Library 2nd Floor exhibit case, November 18, 2019-January 19, 2020. Opening reception and brief talk December 20, 2019.