Mini Bible spreads a little Christmas cheer as festive classics go on show

Little enough to fit in the palm of a hand, and with text so tiny it can only be read with a magnifying glass, the Bible dates from around 1911, and is thought to be one of the smallest examples of its kind anywhere in the world.

It is joined in the display by enthralling 19^th Century editions of stories by Charles Dickens, including his definitive spectral yarn A Christmas Carol, along with The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, and The Haunted Man.

Dickens’ first run of 6,000 copies of A Christmas Carol sold out by Christmas Eve of 1843, with publishers returning to the press another eight times within the first six months of publication to meet demand.

The iconic author even did public reading tours in the 1850s and 60s, where guests could hear him read from his seminal stories.

Also on display is a book of children’s Christmas games from 1812 entitled Mince Pies for Christmas. Filled with riddles and games, the book claims ‘to exercise the ingenuity of all sensible masters and misses.’

Some of the charades within its pages have been circled by the children who must have  played the game with their families at Christmas more than 200 years ago.

Other items in the display include a collection of illustrated military themed Christmas cards as well as Christmas Editions of the Yorkshire Weekly Post and Yorkshire Evening Post from 1905, 1924, 1929, 1933.

Rhian Isaac, senior librarian at Leeds Central Library, said: “Christmas has been such a central part of many memorable stories for generations now, and it’s so special to gather these items together and bring back some cherished memories for visitors.

“We’re hoping seeing them in person will give visitors a little glimpse into how Christmas has been celebrated in the past and help them to get in the festive spirit too.”

As well as the Christmas book display, Leeds Central Library has also been hosting a number of Christmas events and activities, including wreath embroidery and The Stolen Stories of Winterlight, a fabulous play presented by Libellule Theatre.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “Christmas is such a special time in Leeds and it’s wonderful that library visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the many different ways the Christmas story has been told through the ages.

“Putting these remarkable books on display also showcases the unique and historic collection at Leeds Central Library.”

The collection of festive books is on display in Leeds Central Library’s Local and Family History section and are free to visit.

More information about what’s on at the library can be found at: What’s On in Leeds Libraries | Leeds Inspired

ENDS