Title: Konversations-Lexicon
Publisher: Berlin, Hugo Steinitz
Publication Date: 1896
Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Very Good
Edition: 2nd Edition
2nd edition. 465 printed pages (front hinge cracked but firm). Printed in two columns. Includes "vorwort zur ersten auflage" & "vorwort zur zweiten auflage" pages 3-5 (= "Foreword/Preface to the First edition & Foreword to the Second Edition"). 24 x 30 mm (in box, 35 mm). Original slightly faded maroon flexible boards, with the following lettering on front cover: "Lexikon Kleinstes Buch der Welt. 175.000 Worte" (faded, creased & slightly rubbed). In original metal case, with inset magnifying glass, and can be carried on a watch-chain or necklace by attaching a ring to the original loop. Embossed with floral corner-piece decorations and the words: "Conversations Lexicon. 175000 worte". Stamped "D.R.G.M. on the case rear (slightly worn with nearly 125 years of use and a bit uneven in places from much handling). "To this day the smallest encyclopedia (not dictionary)in existence. This is a German counterpart to similar miniature books produced by Bryce, Glasgow. Very scarce" (Spielmann). Smallest printed encyclopedia. Bondy101.Spielmann 445.Welsh6136. WorldCat locates nine copies worldwide but no copies at all in the UK. The most eminent ever UK miniature book dealer, Louis Bondy, made a copy of this book his first ever acquisition, and the rest was history, as they say. Seller Inventory # 5178