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A miniature book with parts that mimic the movement of actors in a stage play.
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John M. Olin Library, Level 1, Miniature Books Case

Movement in Miniature

Though many think of pop-up books as mainly for children, books with moving parts have been around for centuries and encompass all genres. Even today, with all the available technology, moving parts must be assembled by hand to ensure they work correctly.

The inside of a movable miniature book filled with origami, string, and other elements to enable movement.

As a whole, the rare book collections include 16th-century spinning wheels known as volvelles, 19th-century medical books with flaps, Victorian tunnel books, and books by the famous paper engineer Lothar Meggendorfer. The miniature book collection shows a variety of mechanisms that create movement and that movable books are fun for all ages.

The Movement in Miniature exhibition is organized by the Curator of Rare Books Cassie Brand.