Printing House Craftsmen Mini Book Sets (15 Vols)

Scarce collection of two vintage miniature hardcover book sets (15 volumes total) produced by regional chapters of the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen, dating from circa 1940–1949. Housed in their original cloth slipcases, these finely printed works were created not for mass sale, but as commemorative keepsakes—showcasing the skill, pride, and craftsmanship of professional printers during a pivotal era in printing history.

Each city chapter—from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Seattle, Portland, Honolulu, and Phoenix—produced its own volume, often highlighting regional history or the legacy of early printing in the American West. Titles include The Discovery of Gold in California by Donald C. Cutter (1949), The Spanish Press of California by Robert Ernest Cowan (1949), The Tramp Printer by Ben Hur Lampman (c.1940), and Pioneer Printers of the Far West by Douglas C. McMurtrie (1940), among others.

Printed on quality stock such as Strathmore Writing paper and bound by trade professionals, these miniature books served as both technical showpieces and symbols of a tight-knit craft community—produced at a time when printing was transitioning from hand craftsmanship to modern industrial methods. The grouping combines both the earlier 1940 craft-focused series and the more regionally driven 1949 historical series, forming a cohesive and meaningful miniature library.

A compelling set for collectors of miniature books, typography, and American printing history—offering both visual charm and a tangible connection to the golden age of the printing trade.

Condition:
In good condition overall, with age-appropriate wear as shown. Slipcases show surface wear, edge rubbing, and some fading. Books remain structurally sound with light handling wear and mild toning to pages. Bindings are intact and interiors are clean and readable.

Dimensions:
Set 1 Slipcase: 4 x 3 x 4 3/4 inches
Set 2 Slipcase: 4 x 2 x 2 3/4 inches
Each Book: 3 7/8 x 1/4 x 2 5/8 inches