Commercial and Other Miniature Books Collection

Dates

1904-1999

Scope and Content Note

The collection includes just under 150 miniature books that are in miniature format, but not published with the same focus on fine paper, creativity, type and binding that characterize the Miniature Fine Press and Artists’ Books collection. These books include fiction, poetry, aphorisms, and essays, as well as religious topics, Bible extracts, dictionaries, comic books and books from the countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The bulk of the collection was donated by Alden Jacobs, Rutgers class of 1940. Other miniature books, including donations by Alden Jacobs can be found in our collections.

Extent

2 Record Cartons

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection encompasses a range of books in a miniature format that are primarily geared to broad distribution or sale, and range in subject from comic books to religious topics.

Arrangement Note

Books are arranged into two series: Domestic and International. Within each series, publishers with large representation in the collection are listed first, arranged by year and then alphabetically within a given year, with undated books alphabetically at the end of each publisher. The remaining books are arranged by year and alphabetically within a given year. Undated books are listed at the end of each series. A miniature book case and ephemera from both Alden Jacobs’ collection and a 1999 exhibition of the collection at the Rutgers University Library are not itemized here, but are included in Box 2.