The Oxford Miniature Shakespeare, Volume I
ClassificationsPrinted Materials-books
Author
William Shakespeare
((British, 1564 - 1616))
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Dateearly 20th Century
Made AtLondon, England
MediumLeather, paper and ink
Dimensions4 1/4 × 2 7/8 × 3/4 in. (10.8 × 7.3 × 1.9 cm)
Credit LineEstate of Mrs. Dorothy Norwood Starnes
Object number2015.13.2
DescriptionThe origin of miniature books extends to prior to the 16th Century. Often, classics as well as works by renowned authors such as Shakespeare were printed in small format. One of the most commonly printed miniature books is the Bible. These small publications served to be novelty and convenience items. They are much easier to travel with than normal sized books, particularly due to their reduced weight. Miniature publications were easily slipped into a pocket or handbag and could even be strapped to a girdle. After the Industrial Revolution, miniature books began to be produced rapidly and as such lost a degree of the craftsmanship of previous publications. The ease of printing and novelty of their size made these publications quite desirable. As such, many different versions of Shakespeare’s complete works were printed and can still be found on the market. This particular version is titled The Oxford Miniature Shakespeare and is published by Oxford University Press at the Clarendon Press. This volume is part of a 6 volume set; however the Bowers Museum was given only 4 of the 6 volumes. The bottom right corner features the initials JAB. These were likely stamped into the leather cover after purchase.On View
Not on view
20th Century
1849-1856
20th century
