Additional creatorMarshall, JohnTitleInfant's libraryDate of publication[1800?]]Description
John Marshall's Infant's Library is a landmark in innovation in children's publishing. The question has been asked of miniature books for children 'is it a book or a toy', but the fact remains that Marshall's production was quickly copied by other publishers as they competed in the newly and rapidly expanding children's book market.
There are 16 volumes in the miniature library, each measuring just under 6cm in height and containing 32 pages. All but two of the volumes are illustrated. Each book contains a different subject including the alphabet, a reading and spelling book, outdoor scenes, domestic objects, animals, flowers, birds, boys' games, girls' games and A short history of England. The books have glazed paper board covers with oval labels with the series title 'Infant's Library'. The bookcase with sliding front panel made to represent a glass-fronted bookcase is 14 cm high, and is divided into four compartments lined with pink paper.
Of interest is the 'Kanguroo' described as 'a curious animal brought from a foreign country ...' This is in volume 5 Animals.
