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Book-of-the-Week

(May 20 – 26)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Book of Hawaiian Flowers by Bernice Kochan.  Cleveland OH: Kinoike Press, 1964.

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66 pp. letterpress in 6-point News Gothic type; printed in 4 colors; illustrations of 30 Hawaiian flowers with a full-page detailed description of each.  Bound in tapa paper boards with a gilt-stamped cloth spine and title on spine.  Every binding is unique.  Measures 2-3/4″ x 2″.  Very fine condition.

Bernice Kochan only published 2 miniature books, both in the 1960s.  This is one of the few miniatures on Hawaii and it is quite beautiful with lengthy descriptions of each of the 30 Hawaiian flowers or plants.  The red hibiscus, the state flower, is included as are the official flowers of each of the 8 largest islands.  The table of contents lists all the flowers alphabetically.

Kochan was a noted Cleveland artist and she did all the illustrations.  Most of the drawings were made from the flower itself, but for others, numerous books were used as reference materials.  Kochan states that this little volume required extensive research, help and assistance in various details.  The result is a charming and very informative book.

In 1969, Kochan designed two U.S. postage stamps, the Alabama statehood stamp and the W.C. Handy stamp plus the tuberculosis Christmas seals.   That same year she published her second and final miniature book, Story of the Christmas Seal.

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Miniature books are my only business.  From antiquarian rarities to modern artist books, I offer limited editions, micro-miniatures, thumb Bibles, children’s books, ABC books, books on books, etc., etc.  Beautiful books of virtually every genre are available in miniature format.

On the CATALOGS page, you can view pdf versions of over 65 catalogs.  My most recent e-catalogs are on this page.  The e-catalogs are emailed to collectors worldwide and the books tend to sell quickly.  In addition to e-catalogs, there are catalogs listed by publisher and also some specialty catalogs.  It is easy to order a book from any catalog…just call or email me.

There are approximately 1,400 miniature books in my inventory… feel free to ask if you are looking for a specific book. You are also welcome to visit my miniature book library on your next trip to the San Diego area.

If you would like to receive my e-catalogs on the day of issue, please contact me.

Catalog 77 ~ May 1, 2019, is now posted on the CATALOGS page

Next e-catalog:  July 1, 2019

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I am  a member of the Miniature Book Society (MBS).  For information on joining MBS, go to the MBS WEBSITE .

Recipient of the Miniature Book Society’s Glasgow Cup Award in 2012 and the Norman Forgue Award in 2010.