A Tiny Ghost Story 2023
Bound by Angela James | 4.6 x 5.9 x 1.9 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1171601
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This book is part of the Modern-Day Miniature Library, a contemporary collection of miniature handwritten and hand-bound books which has been assembled to celebrate 100 years since Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was completed in 1924.
Of the nearly 600 books on the shelves of the Dolls' House Library, over 170 are tiny manuscripts written by the most notable authors of the 1920s. Together, these create a time capsule of literary culture of the 1920s.
Echoing the process of a century ago, today's writers were again asked to write by hand in miniature format. Their little pages were bound by leading contemporary designer-binders. After being displayed in an exhibition at Windsor Castle during 2024, the new collection of doll-size books will be kept together in the Royal Library.
Anthony Horowitz's short ghost story, which is set in the 1920s, features a dolls' house, and was written specially for the centenary celebration. It is bound by Angela James, who has been a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders since 1975, known for her work with hand-dyed leathers. Angela James’ binding has covers which open out fully to show a street scene from Anthony Horowitz's story, printed on hand-dyed goatskin. A ghostly figure can be seen in one of the windows of the houses in the street, and inside the book, on the flyleaves, drawings of spectral young women are printed onto tracing paper.Provenance
Book handwritten by Anthony Horowitz and sent to the Royal Library in May 2023. Binding hand-bound by Angela James and sent to the Royal Library in November 2023. The manuscript and binding were given in celebration of the centenary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
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Medium and techniques
Bound by Angela James
Measurements
4.6 x 5.9 x 1.9 cm (book measurement (conservation))
7.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 cm (historic measurement)
Category
Alternative title(s)
A Tiny ghost story / by Anthony Horowitz.