Merchant of Venice in Miniature

5j William Shakespeare. Glasgow: University Press, ca. 1910s.

Notes

The Merchant of Venice is a play by William Shakespeare that blends elements of comedy, drama, and tragedy. Set in 16th-century Venice, it centers on a merchant named Antonio who borrows money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, to help his friend Bassanio woo the wealthy Portia. When Antonio’s ships are lost at sea and he cannot repay the loan, Shylock demands a “pound of flesh” as collateral. The play explores themes of justice, mercy, prejudice, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on issues of religious tension and social discrimination. Notable for its memorable characters and dramatic courtroom scene, it remains a widely studied and performed work.

Miniature books are small-format publications typically no larger than about 3 inches (76 mm) in height, width, or thickness. They have been produced for centuries across many cultures and genres, including religious texts, poetry, dictionaries, and children’s stories. Historically, miniature books were valued for their portability and discretion, and were often used for personal devotion or reference. Many are crafted with the same care as full-sized books, featuring detailed typesetting, illustrations, and bindings. Today, they are collected for their craftsmanship, novelty, and historical interest, and are sometimes used in exhibitions or as artistic works in their own right.

Description

Blue cloth binding with gilt letting on the spine and vellum onlay to cover. Marbled endpapers. Illustrated frontispiece. Fully intact. Very good condition.