Library Company of Philadelphia
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Welcome to the Library Company of Philadelphia's Tumblr page! Founded by Ben Franklin in 1731, we are an independent research library specializing in American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries. This page highlights materials from LCP's extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, ephemera, prints, photographs, and works of art.
Known as “Thumb Bibles,” these miniature books are abridged versions of the Bible, generally meant for children. The term “Thumb Bible” was first coined in the mid-19th century and may be a reference to Tom Thumb, a known public figure at the time. These books are also well-thumbed, though that is just coincidental. #MiniatureMonday
Come see these and other books from our collection on display now in our main gallery as part of our current exhibition, The Living Book: New Perspections on Form and Function.
thelivingbook.librarycompany.org
Michael Zinman Collection of Early American
Children’s Books.