Before Kindles, This Is How People Carried Around Their Collection Of Books

Today’s generation barely knows what real books look like anymore. Instead of leather covers and actual pages, they’re more accustomed to a bright, digital interface and e-ink. Carrying around your favorite books is now easier than ever, but avid readers have always wanted to keep favorite books at their fingertips. That’s why, centuries ago, someone invented this curious creation.

According to a recent discovery from the University of Leeds, this is how people carried around their collections in the 17th century: tiny, portable libraries.


It may look like just another large text from the outside…

Darren O’Brien


But when opened, three shelves of miniature texts are revealed.

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This is one of only four that exist, dating back to 1617.

Darren O’Brien


You might need a microscope to read them, but the books include mostly classical text.

Darren O’Brien


The inside cover features an ornate illustration of columns and arches with text explaining the categories of text found on each shelf.

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Three sections: theology and philosophy, history, and poetry.

Darren O’Brien

Click next page below to see some of the famous people who’s work is on display.

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