In Miniature: How Small

Journalist Garfield (Just My Type: A Book About Fonts) examines the allure of viewing, creating, and collecting scale models for professional use and personal enjoyment. More than simply a smaller version, a miniature invites close examination and reveals details not as accessible when viewing the full size. By reversing relative sizes and adding dimensionality, architectural and theatrical scale models illustrate a project in a way that a flat rendering does not. Models of real and imaginary places fascinate and draw in millions of visitors in many locations. The history and enduring popularity of miniature and microminiature portraits and books shows the ongoing delight of these objects. Garfield profiles miniaturists, most of whom work in relative anonymity, with respect and humor. For example, model railroad enthusiasts Rod Stewart and Neil Young are famous for other pursuits. The Eiffel Tower appears throughout, both for its role in making a bird's-eye view available to all and for being commonly miniaturized as a souvenir.