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.
Darren O’Brien
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.
Darren O’Brien
Three sections: theology and philosophy, history, and poetry.
Darren O’Brien
