Thank you for visiting Karen Nyman Miniature Books
Book of the Week
(November 22 – 28)
What Happened to Junipero Serra? by Francis J. Weber. Los Angeles CA: Bela Blau, 1969.
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29 pp. letterpress; floral endpapers; Mexican postage stamp; 3 illustrations; story of a Mexican commemorative stamp celebrating Serra but with an incorrect portrait. The 80-centavo stamp honors Franciscan missionary Father Junipero Serra, but depicts his co-worker Father Francisco Palóu. Weber calls it a “philatelic oddity” whose immortality is assured.
At time of issue, this was the smallest book ever devoted to a philatelic theme. Bound in gilt forest green leather. Measures 1-3/8″ x 2″. A limited edition of 1,000 numbered copies. Fine condition.
Bela Blau was a printer and bookbinder who came from Hungary to Los Angeles in 1956 and established a successful bindery business. Bela died in 1993 but his wife Mariana continues the business to this day. The Blaus published 17 miniature books and they bound all of them. What Happened to Junipero Serra? is one of the few that Bela also designed, handset and printed.
Regular price is $45. This week only $36+ $4 to mail. SOLD OUT
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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 60 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 1,100 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.
Sign up to receive my e-catalogs
Catalog 87 ~ November 2020, is now posted on the CATALOGS page
Next e-catalog: January 1, 2021
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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 W. Forgue Award in 2010.