hardcover
Little Tree
Dallas, TX: Aredian Press, 2022. Approximately 2 x 3". LIMITED EDITION of 10 copies, this being #6. Design binding by Patrice Miller of Aredian Press, red and gold patterned paper over boards with paper label on removable band, red felt spine, book is not rectangular - rather top right edge is slanted in, Christmas tree inside opens up, poem inside enclosed in its own little section, signed and numbered by the publisher on the colophon, in fine condition.
Lovely poem by e.e. cummings (1894 - 1962) about how cherished a Christmas tree is. Patrice Miller's work has found its way to private and university collections, in the states and abroad. Human foibles, nature’s panoply, and artistic cleverness cannot help but inform future work. She continues to bind, and rebind, in Dallas, Texas.
London Almanack for the Year of Christ 1818
(London): (Printed for the Company of Stationers), 1818. Unpaginated. Approximately 1 1/4 x 2 1/4". Original red morocco slipcase with onlays in cream and green, gilt-tooled throughout, in fine condition; Pink outer wraps, most likely replacing a cover that usually matched the slipcase, first page called "Common Notes", all edges gilt, a good copy.
These miniature booklets have been published from the late 17th century until the Victorian era, and give monthly information for eclipses, phases of the moon, saints days, as well as lists of Royals and Lord Mayors, bank transfer days and other banking rates. In this copy, there is a folding view of the Royal Dramatic College.
London Almanack for the Year of Christ 1868
(London): (Printed for the Company of Stationers), (1867). Unpaginated. Approximately 1 1/2 x 2 1/4". Original red morocco with onlays in cream and green, gilt-tooled throughout, some parts of covers and spine missing, all edges gilt, gift inscription on rear endpaper, matching slipcase partly faded and a few chips to edges, else a very good copy.
These miniature booklets have been published from the late 17th century until the Victorian era, and give monthly information for eclipses, phases of the moon, saints days, as well as lists of Royals and Lord Mayors, bank transfer days and other banking rates. In this copy, there is a folding view of the Royal Dramatic College.
London in Miniature. With Engravings of its Public Buildings and Antiquities, from Drawings by Alfred Mills
London: Darton, Harvey, & Darton, and J. Harris, 1814. 96 pp. 2-1/2 x 2-3/8". 47 plates. Original printed pink boards, worn and lightly toned, interior bright with only occasional minor soil. Welsh and Bondy describe this as having 48 plates, but records in OCLC and elsewhere indicate that it is complete in 47 plates. In Very Good condition. (Welsh 4988; Bondy 65)
One of a series of titles illustrated with engravings of drawings by Alfred Mills, and issued in either these slightly cheaper boards or in roan. Includes brief introductions and detailed engravings for many major landmarks, including London Bridge, the Monument, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Royal Academy, the Admiralty, etc., as well as Whittington's and Oliver Cromwell's houses.
Medieval Labours
Sorbie, Scotland: Final Score, 2007. Approx. 2 x 2 5/8". LIMITED EDITION of 25 copies, this being #3. Brown cloth over boards with gilt-bordered paste-down label on cover, each copy individually illustrated using egg tempura paint on vellum with gold, signed on the colophon by both authors, in fine condition.
This beautiful book contains 13 illuminated illustrations accompanying each month of the year plus the title page. The text describes the work to be completed for each month in medieval times. For example, January described bread baking with a medieval recipe, while June talks of estate management. Only one OCLC holding at this time, from the collection of Muriel Underwood - a US Marine, member of the Caxton Club, longtime member of the Miniature Book Society and miniature book publisher herself.
Memories of an Illustrator
Sebastapol, CA: El Camino Real Press, 2015. 7 pp. Approximately 2 1/8 x 2 15/16". LIMITED EDITION of 150 copies. Blue leatherette with gilt title on cover, decorative endpapers, 8 cent U.S. unmetered postage stamp frontispiece, blue endpapers, bound by Mariana Blau and printed by Patrick Reagh, in near fine condition.
This sweet little book explains why Francis Weber had a penchant for using postage stamps to illustrate his miniature books. Informing and pretty, all at the same time.
Moses Hayyim Luzzatto on Lovingkindness
Evanston, IL: Press of Ward Schori, 1987. 40 pp. Approximately 2 9/16 x 1 7/8". LIMITED EDITION of 225 copies. Brown blind-stamped leather with gilt title on cover and spine, endpapers with old Hebrew text, bound by Hugo Grummich, in near fine condition. (Bradbury, Schori 44)
Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, also known as Moses Hayyim Luzzatto (1707 - 1746) was an Italian Jewish rabbi and philosopher. His writings showed his deep understanding of the Talmud and codes of Jewish law. After a brief biography, this lovely little book describes his reflections on lovingkindness.
Mr. H. in America
Los Angeles, CA: Dawson's Book Shop, 1981. 23 pp. Approximately 2 7/8 x 2 1/4". LIMITED EDITION of 150 copies. Green leather with gilt lettering by Bela Blau, printed by the author from zinc plates mae by Pall Bohme, frontispiece also by Pall Bohme. A fine copy. (Bradbury, Dawson's, 67)
A little bit of writing about Charles Lamb and his work as an author.
Munkássakk (Worker's Chess)
Budapest, Hungary: Alföldi Nyomda, 1984. 160 pp. Approximately 1 3/4 x 2 1/2". Text in Hungarian. LIMITED EDITION of 400 copies, this being #2. Light brown leather over boards, Title in black on cover with chess board and knight piece illustration, seven black and white photographs, many chess diagrams, slight wear to cover, otherwise in near fine condition.
One of the best known printing houses in Budapest for the last 40 years, the Alföldi Printing House prints both large books and miniatures for both foreign and domestic markets. Their talent, inventiveness, and artistic ability were noted by Louis Bondy in his miniature book reference (p. 176).
Nasty Nancy & Her Cat, A Horrid ABC Book
New York: Mermaid Press, 1962. Approximately 1 7/8 x 2 3/8". (16) pp. Cream printed paper boards with decorations and title in red on front cover and spine, blue slipcase, letterpress, scarce, all in fine condition. (Bradbury, Mermaid Press 1)
The one and only book by this publisher, published at the beginning of the miniature book renaissance in the United States during the early sixties (Bradbury p147), it is a macabre ABC book describing all of the ways in which Nasty Nancy torments her cat (i.e. Jerked it, Kicked it, Licked it.) Luckily, the story ends happily with Kitty living with a much kinder owner the next lifetime it has.