Thank you for visiting Karen Nyman Miniature Books
Book of the Week
(October 18 – 24)
The Immortal Little Willie by Francis J. Weber. San Fernando CA: Junipero Serra Press, 1990
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12 pp. printed offset by H. J. Viney; postage stamp frontispiece; Weber discusses and quotes the John Henry Nash version of Eugene Field’s little-known poem for children; a.e.g. Bound in gilt brown leather. Measures 2-7/8″ x 2″. A limited edition of 200 copies. Very fine condition.
Eugene Field is best known for his children’s poems. Several notable miniature book publishers – Barbara Raheb, Walt Schori, Lorson’s Books and others – have published these little gems. Weber discusses this little-known poem that Field wrote about his 5-year-old son Little Willie and then includes the poem in its entirety. As is typical, Weber chose a postage stamp for the frontispiece. I was intrigued by his choice and decided to investigate. In 1982 the U.S. Postal Service launched a postage stamp-design contest to honor family unity. It was open to elementary and high school students, over 500,000 entries were submitted and high school senior Molly LaRue, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, was the winner. Weber chose her stamp for The Immortal Little Willie.
I dug further because I wanted to know more about Molly LaRue. What I found was shocking – I learned that she and her fiancee had been brutally murdered in 1990 while on a 6-month hike in the Appalachian Mountains. The murderer was soon caught and is still living today, serving 2 life sentences in prison. Coincidentally, this Weber book was published in 1990.
Molly LaRue was an immensely talented and loving young woman. She had recently graduated magna cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University majoring in art therapy. What a sad and tragic backstory to Weber’s little book.
Please specify which edition you prefer:
Regular price of a SIGNED copy is $40. This week only $32+ $4 to mail. SOLD OUT
Regular price of an UNSIGNED copy is $35. This week only $28+ $4 to mail.
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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 1,200 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.
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Catalog 86 ~ September 2020, is now posted on the CATALOGS page
Next e-catalog: November 1, 2020
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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.