No. of lots - 314, No. of pages - 45, IlINTRODUCTION
Irene Winterstein was born in 1925. As a fifteen-year-old girl living in the town of St. Gallen, Switzerland she a bought her first small black book (30 x 50mm.) which she used as a diary. This modest purchase became the foundation for one of the most important and collections of miniature books ever assembled Ranging from the 15" to comprehensive 20% centuries, it includes almanacks, children's books, Carnets de bal, Bibles, Prayer Books, illuminated manuscripts - and books on every conceivable subject - often contained within fragile original boards or exquisite, jewel-like bindings. Irene Winterstein was tireless in her quest for miniature books, not only in her home country, but across Europe and beyond. When foreign currency was unacceptable she would barter with coffee and bed-linen to secure a particular rarity. In 1986 this unique collection, which Christie's South Kensington is now delighted to offer for sale at auction, was justly honoured with the Norman Forgue Award of the Miniature Book Society. Illustrated in colour.