Othello in Miniature

5j William Shakespeare. Glasgow: University Press, 1904.

Notes

Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in the early 1600s. The play tells the story of Othello, a respected Moorish general in the Venetian army, who secretly marries Desdemona, a noblewoman. Their relationship becomes the target of manipulation by Iago, Othello’s ensign, who is bitter over being passed over for promotion. Through deceit and insinuation, Iago fuels Othello’s jealousy, leading him to doubt Desdemona’s fidelity and ultimately to a tragic downfall. The play explores themes of jealousy, racism, betrayal, and the destructive power of manipulation, and remains one of Shakespeare’s most powerful examinations of human emotion and weakness.

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. Onlay beginning to come away. Fully intact. Very good condition.