The historical parts of this book were quite enjoyable, if sometimes repetitive. Modern horror miniatures I could do without. ( )

Wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to read this, having long been fascinated with things originally large are made small. It starts with the Eiffel tower, where for the first time, from a great height, looked down on a world made small. The tower would also be the inspiration for the popularity of the souvenir.

Divided into chapters one is treated not only to some trivia but an interesting history lesson pertaining to the subject. Small villages, popular in England, some still visited during our current time. Road America in Pennsylvania, which I have visited. The exquisitely decorated and designed miniature room at the Art Institute in Chicago. The popularity of the flea circus, " They live off me, and I live off them" Prof. William Hecklers fleas at Hubert's Museum on West 42nd Street.

The reasons for some of the miniatures made, such as slave ships, made to show how terrible these ships were. Toy trains, popular with Rod Stewart and Neil Young. Young started his hobby to have something he could share with his son who was born severely disabled.

Just fascinating, this book includes so much and is wonderfully presented. Quite an interesting read.

ARC from Edelweiss. ( )

Miniatures always inspire awe and wonder and Simon Garfield has turned his sharp focus on the world of miniatures in his latest offering In Miniature - How Small Things Illuminate the World.

I've always admired the workmanship of modellers and creators of miniatures, whether they be doll houses, matchstick ships, micro sculptures or tiny models. In the 1990s I wore a treasured pendant that contained a grain of rice with my name on it. The skill, determination and creativity of miniature artists never ceases to amaze me.

Seeing Queen Mary's Dolls' House in 2012 was definitely a highlight, and reading here about the process of inviting the country's best artisans to contribute to the house was illuminating.

Simon Garfield covers some of my favourite topics in the world of miniatures here, including Rod Stewart's famous model train collection, the popularity of the YouTube micro cooking channel Miniature Space as well as the work of artists Slinkachu and Tatsuya Tanaka. I also love the lead pencil sculptures and art in the eye of a needle.

The clever cover design of this book is to be commended. The hardcover image is complemented by the creative and eye-pleasing partial dust jacket that transforms the image to make it look like an open box of matches. Brilliant! Having said that, I wish the photographs inside had been in colour, or at least of a better quality. The ink on the black and white photographs came off onto my fingers while reading and given I read in a bed with white linen, this was bad news.

In Miniature offers more than an overview on the world of miniatures. Garfield examines the world of miniatures in an essay writing style. This meant that I dipped in and out of it, sampling a chapter or more at a time. In Miniature is recommended reading for anyone interested in the world of miniatures. Whether you're an aspiring artist or hobbyist creator, a collector, an enthusiast or just in awe of the work, I think you'll enjoy this.

* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin * ( )

The world of miniatures is explored in this book, not small things but large things created in miniature form. I do enjoy books like this, taking a non-fiction subject and running with ideas producing an eclectic collection for the reader. For most of this book that is what it is. However I found some of the chapters rather repetitive - architectural models for example. The running theme of the Eiffel Tower was amusing and overall this was a short and perfectly enjoyable book without setting the world on fire! ( )

In Miniature: How Small Things Illuminate the World by Simon Garfield is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I am one of the millions of people that love miniatures.This book talks about why people like them, the history, the types, and examples. I loved looking at all the various types. From models cars, train, towns, planes, houses, and ships to microminiature art in the head of a sewing needle! Mini books, art, food, people, towers, and so much more! Lots of pictures and informative history along the way! They even talk about miniature dogs! Yes, I have those too! I even own a Smart car! Great book! ( )