Smallest English Dictionary in the World. Comprising: besides the ordinary and newest words in the language, short explanations of a large number of scientific, philosophical, literary and technical terms. Bryce, David & Son. Glasgow. 1893. 384 pages.Printed on finest India paper. Portrait frontispiece of Dr. Johnson. Mite series. Set in 1-1/2 point type. Printed by Robert Maclehose, Glasgow. ""Dedicated by the publishers to Mrs Kendal in appreciation of kindly encouragement given to the production of tiny articles, of which she, has a unique- collection."All edges yellow. Contemporary in ownership singature on front free endpaper, dated 1909. 19 x 28 mm. Original red morocco."English Dictionary" front cover and 'Pears' on back cover. Fully hallmarked silver locket, hallmarks in 2 places Sampson Mordan & Co,1894 . Magnifying Glass and original silver loop (some mild scratches and a little tarnished). 19 x 28 mm. Original red morocco (slightly thumbed). Bryce offered their dictionaries in a choice of Metal cases (1s.3d.), Tartan (1s.6d.), Yapped leather (2s.0d.), Silver gilt (2s.6d.), Gilt or engraved (3s.6d.) & Silver hallmarked locket (7s.6d.) -this example was the most costly and by far the hardest to find. This is one of a number of minuscule books published by Bryce by the process of photographic reduction. They are all legible with a magnifying glass and the equivalent of 1 1/2-point. This is number 18 in Ruth Adomeit's List of 32 Basic Books for the Serious Collector. Although "thousands of these dictionaries were published, they are now becoming distinctly scarce and command steadily rising prices" [Bondy]. Bondy, 106. Garbett, 25. Pistner, B233:7. Spielmann, 464. Welsh, 2406. 63 firsts2024