Magnifying the Royce Gale Miniature Book Collection
Virtual event description:
Join ROAAr and special guest Kristen Howard for some tiny looks at tiny books. Miniature books – books measuring at less than 3” in length or width – have fascinated collectors for hundreds of years. This enduring fascination is in part due to their beauty, the challenges of their production, and their sheer curiosity value.
The Royce Gale Collection at McGill is particularly strong in miniature 20th-century fine artists’ books, typically in extremely small print runs. There is an emphasis on works created by Anne and David Bromer (Bromer Books), Norman W. Forgue (Black Cat Press Books), and Robert E. Massman (REM Books), all leaders in the production of miniature books. Miniatures, though appreciated for their minute stature, are best appreciated when magnified!
This outstanding collection was a generous donation to Rare Books and Special Collections by the family of Eastern Township teacher and principal Royce Gale (1927-2020). Mr Gale was an ardent bibliophile with an exceptional talent for collecting rare and obscure items in exceptional condition.
Special guest Kristen Howard will magnify some highlights of this exquisite collection and pay tribute to the collector and donor, Royce Gale.
About the Speaker
Kristen C. Howard is a historian, librarian, and miniature book enthusiast. She completed a PhD in History from the Division for Late Medieval and Reformation Studies at the University of Arizona in 2020 and a Master of Information Studies at McGill University in 2022.
About the Series
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