Miniature Books Exhibition Opens at National Library of Scotland
Old King Cole, published in 1985 by the Gleniffer Press in Paisley, measures only 0.9mm in height.
It held the world record for the smallest printed book, for 20 years.
It is one of about 85 miniature books from the library’s collections which will be displayed to the public for free until 17 November.
Exhibition curator James Mitchell said: “Many are works of art or miracles of technology and are highly collectable.”
A miniature book is generally defined as one that is less than 7.5cm (3in) in height and width.
Read the Complete Report, View Images of Tiny Books
Additional Info and Images
Direct to Additional Images and Background from National Library of Scotland
Direct to Miniature Books Page from National Library of Scotland
See Also: Miniature books go on display at National Library of Scotland (via The Guardian)
James Mitchell, who has been instrumental in building the NLS’s collection of miniature books, and who curated the new display, said: “Many are works of art or miracles of technology and are highly collectable. Old King Cole is produced using offset lithography, which is a version of the traditional Gutenberg method. They appeal to children because they are more of a scale for them, and for adults it’s about the artistry, design and execution.”
- ‘Old King Cole’ (Paisley: Gleniffer Press, 1985) [NLS shelfmark FB.s.307]
Source: National Library of Scotland
Filed under: Libraries, National Libraries, News

About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com. Gary is also the co-founder of infoDJ an innovation research consultancy supporting corporate product and business model teams with just-in-time fact and insight finding.