Miniature books are defined as any very small book. They can be bound using any technique. The only limit is the maximum dimension must be 3 inches or under in height, width and thickness. You can find hand written and painted books, small letter press printed books and ‘zines made on photocopiers traditionally sewn, cloth or leather bound, or just stapled together in paper cover.
While they are often considered just a collector’s item now- miniature books historically functioned as a portable, precious way of carrying important information with you. Small hymnals and bibles, elaborately painted Book of Hours for royal prayers, and children’s educational primers can all be found in very small formats- designed to fit in your palm, pocket or purse. One of the earliest American examples printed was a small copy the Proclamation of Emancipation published in Boston in 1863 and distributed to Union troops. Another unique choice for a “pocket book” was an autobiography of rocket engineer Robert Goddard. Buzz Aldrin tucked a small copy in his suit to take with him to the moon in 1969.
If you are looking for miniature books to inspire you- please check out the collection at the Field House Museum in St. Louis. Tiny books have the perfect home in their doll houses and exhibits there. Another large collection to check out is at Washington University of St. Louis. There is a permanent exhibition space there in the Special Collections donated by Julian Edison, dedicated to this collection so that miniature books are always available for viewing.
Think about filling your book with:
Commonplace Books, Epigrams, Journals and Sketchbooks– books of quotes and saying that are important to the reader often handwritten and illustrated. In a way they are a more educational or profound way of journaling and keeping a sketch diary.
Abecediary and Counting books—alphabet books with the letters and books to teach numbers illustrated are charming and practical.
Mnemonics – memory devices for simple themes like Roy G Biv or complex trigonometry formulas
Botanicals and Bestiary books– catalog the flora and fauna both scientifically and imaginiatively
Specimen books– collections of related things like fonts, illustrations, stamps, fabric swatches, calligraphic ornaments. Since I collect vintage cookbooks, I love to create my own miniature cookbooks to share favorite recipes with friends and family.
While they are often considered just a collector’s item now- miniature books historically functioned as a portable, precious way of carrying important information with you. Small hymnals and bibles, elaborately painted Book of Hours for royal prayers, and children’s educational primers can all be found in very small formats- designed to fit in your palm, pocket or purse. One of the earliest American examples printed was a small copy the Proclamation of Emancipation published in Boston in 1863 and distributed to Union troops. Another unique choice for a “pocket book” was an autobiography of rocket engineer Robert Goddard. Buzz Aldrin tucked a small copy in his suit to take with him to the moon in 1969.
If you are looking for miniature books to inspire you- please check out the collection at the Field House Museum in St. Louis. Tiny books have the perfect home in their doll houses and exhibits there. Another large collection to check out is at Washington University of St. Louis. There is a permanent exhibition space there in the Special Collections donated by Julian Edison, dedicated to this collection so that miniature books are always available for viewing.
Think about filling your book with:
Commonplace Books, Epigrams, Journals and Sketchbooks– books of quotes and saying that are important to the reader often handwritten and illustrated. In a way they are a more educational or profound way of journaling and keeping a sketch diary.
Abecediary and Counting books—alphabet books with the letters and books to teach numbers illustrated are charming and practical.
Mnemonics – memory devices for simple themes like Roy G Biv or complex trigonometry formulas
Botanicals and Bestiary books– catalog the flora and fauna both scientifically and imaginiatively
Specimen books– collections of related things like fonts, illustrations, stamps, fabric swatches, calligraphic ornaments. Since I collect vintage cookbooks, I love to create my own miniature cookbooks to share favorite recipes with friends and family.
What is A Miniature Book?
In the United States, a miniature book is usually considered to be one which is no more than three inches in height, width, or thickness. Some aficionados collect slightly larger books while others specialize in even smaller sizes. Outside of the United States, books up to four inches are often considered miniature.
The miniature book has a long and exceptional history, but why? That answer will vary with every collector, bookmaker and tiny tome affiliate you ask. Some consider Sumerian clay tablets, with cuneiform writing, dated to as early as 2500 BC to be the first miniature books. Others say they originated in the Middle Ages.
It’s said that the earliest miniature books were produced primarily for convenience; large proclamations transcribed into miniature for ease of storage; miniature bibles for monks to carry tucked in their pockets; miniature books of etiquette for young Victorian ladies to discreetly reference for proper conduct. Queen Mary made them very popular when, in 1922, 200 miniature books were produced for display in the library of her miniature doll house.
The reason for collecting miniature books is rarely to read them, although with magnification, you could. Some forms of miniature books require exceptional skill in all aspects of book production. Craft miniature books need only satisfy the maker. Whether its the amazing workmanship or its delicately threaded page signatures, there is an undeniable feeling of enchantment that comes when you hold a miniature book.
excerpt from the Miniature Book Society website
Basic supplies and tools for this demo:
Book Block
Plain copy paper 8 ½ x 11 (20 lb)
Colored paper for end papers (optional)
Ruler with metal straight edge
Sharp Pencil
Bone folder, letter opener or thin knife (optional)
Heavy thread
Needle
T pin, Push pin or sharp heavy needle
Book Cover
Spine cover- Book cloth or cardstock I piece 4 x2
Spine liner- Cardstock or heavy paper 1 ½ x 4
Book covering -Decorative paper 2pcs. 4×2
Book covers- 2 pieces 2 x 3 Thin cardboard (cereal box, heavy tagboard or mat board scraps)
Glue stick or PVA glue
Heavy book for weight
Scrap paper to protect book while gluing
Scissors or exacto blade cutter