A rare collection of miniature books, dating back to 1617, of which is believed to be the first ever made traveling library, is housed at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio. It is one of only four examples known of this style. The others are at University of Leeds, the British Library, and California’s Huntington Library.
The collection of 43 small vellum bound and gold stamped books are secreted inside a large wooded case. This case is made to look like a book itself. Upon opening the cover of this disguised folio, however, is seen 3 shelves showcasing its hidden collection of books.
The backside of the cover catalogues the contents in three columns. There is a shelf for Theology and Philosophy, a shelf for History, and a shelf for Poetry. These four cases have been discovered to be commissioned by a gentleman named William Hakewill, and given to friends. The one archived in Ohio is believed to have been owned by the half brother of Sir Francis Bacon as on each book is found the Bacon family seal.
What a treasure!
As time went on more traveling libraries were produced. They were the ‘Kindles’ of the age.
One made in 1839 to be distributed to America’s frontier is housed at the Smithsonian. This one produced by the American Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, and published by Harper and Brothers. It is the only complete example, with all 50 of its miniature books inside its wooden case, known to exist of this style. But you never know. Maybe there is one waiting to be found in some off corner of an old house or library or who knows where!
Always keep a look out for lost and forgotten treasures! They wait to be appreciated.