As you may know, I’m fond of a mini-book, mini poetry books in particular, and I came across these recently among my memorabilia. They’re two little leather-bound books of poetry, ‘Moments with Shakespeare’ and Gems from Shelley’.
They’re both dated 1909, one says it’s from ‘Jack’. One of my parents (I think my Dad) did have an uncle Jack. In fact his daughter who we knew as ‘cousin Joan’ did appear in a poem of mine once. When Joan died some of her effects came to him and then through him to Mum and then to me.
So maybe these booklets belonged to Joan’s mother. I like to think of them being carried around in a concealed pocket, to be brought out for a moment or two of reflection now and then.
Lovely! Thank They are both so sweet. Do you have a mini-book collection? That would be a fun post. I don’t know much about the history of them, but I’m intrigued. I’ve always been fascinated by small, or miniature, objects, including books. I collected them when I was a child, but they were all modern and whimsical. Yours are exquisite and I’d like to see more.
Thank you Cheryl! I wish I had a mini book collection, but no. But I love the small size and have produced one A6 sized mini pamphlet, and tempted to do it again. It would be interesting to know the history of these micro books. It reminds me of the Bronte sisters with their micro books – all the better to hide in a pocket, I suspect. I’d love to see yours. Maybe I will seek out more of these!
They’re so lovely – I would love to be able to collect those, but I suspect they are quite expensive.
Hi Marina – I’ve no idea if they have any value, although I suspect there are a number of them about. It’s nice to have the dates written inside, and names!