‘The Mite’; 1st edition of the miniature book produced in Grimsby by Ernest A. Robinson 1891.

An original example of the famous, miniature book. It measures 18 x 21 mm and was considered for many years to be the smallest English book. A very fine, deluxe copy with its original red roan binding and titled in gilt. (Other copies were bound in green.) The edges of the 28 pages are red. There are five illustrations. The movable type used is ‘Brilliant’, 20 lines to the inch. Copies were accepted by the Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales. A copy is in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House Library. The current King has a copy with a black cover. Ernest Albert Robinson (1869-1933) was a fish merchant and printer. In 1911, he lived at 139 Park Street with his wife, Gertrude, and daughter Gertrude May. He is described as the printer and publisher of “The Mite”. In 1921, the family lived at 34 Cromwell Road. In 1929, the family lived at 31 Lincoln Boulevard. On 24th September 1933, Ernest Albert and Gertude were living at 239 Hainton Avenue when Ernest died. Research by Grimsby and Cleethorpes Museum.