The wonder of Miniature Books

Imagine my delight when I returned from Istanbul to find, among all the usual dross post, bills and invitations to patronise any number of local businesses, this little gem:

Oh yes, I guess that doesn’t do it justice. You can see what it is: a book on ‘The Latin Of The Legions’. A very nice hardback, beautifully bound and illustrated. What you can’t really see is the scale. Let me try that again…

There. See what I mean? The book is about half the size of my mobile phone! And it is exquisite. Let me show you the inside cover…

How beautiful is that? I’m sure any number of my Roman-obsessed friends are already twitching and wondering where it would look best on their shelves/in their office. If not, then you need to see it for yourself, then you will.

This was a gift from Pat Sweet, the wonderful brains and talent behind the book and the company that produces it. Apparently this particular volume was inspired by Marius’ Mules, which I take to be one of the most astounding blush-worthy complements I have ever received.

This little treasure has taken pride of place on my history books shelf, alongside my treasured signed copy of Roman Military Equipment by Bishop & Coulston and my 1912 copy of Stettiner’s Rome in Her Monuments. It is simply that worthy.

Want it? Of course you do. Go get it here.

But more than that, there will be so many titles you will want, when you peruse Bo Press Miniature Books’ website. I’ve earmarked a few myself. Just look at this one page alone:

You might notice there Gisborne, a short story by the excellent Prue Batten, and Nugget: The Black Wombat – a children’s tale by Prue. Marcus is the proud owner of the latter, which even has a tiny, exquisite map in the back! But look at the binding. Isn’t it astounding?

Click on that link above and have a look through the site yourself. An artist such as Pat deserves support and I urge you to check out her site.

Beautiful.

Happy Thursday, all.