Recent Acquisition
A Miniature Book
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A Father's Legacy to His Daughters, published by Charles Wells
in New
York City, ca. 1836-1847; reprint of Dr. John Gregory's book, first
published in Great Britain.
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In the introduction Gregory writes to his
daughters: "The anxiety I have for your happiness has made me resolve to
throw together my sentiments relating to your future conduct in life. If
I live for some years, you will receive them with much greater advantage,
suited to your different geniuses and dispositions."
This charming little book is described in Robert C. Bradbury's
Antique United States Miniature Books 1690-1900 as "likely the
first
American miniature book directed at the customer who appreciated fine
bindings. This contrasts to the utilitarian bindings of most miniature
books at this time."
There are almost 400 miniature books in the Society's collection. Over
the years, the size for inclusion in the collection has been arbitrary,
but current policy is to limit the height to 75mm, slightly less than 3
inches.
Purchased on the Emma Forbes Waite Fund, November 2001. Miss Waite, a
staff member of the Society, died in 1970 at the age of 95. She was
curator of maps and prints and was particularly interested in
lithographs. In her will she left money to AAS for the purchase of
miniature books.
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