Miniature Lamps, Book 2

Miniature Lamps, Book 2 by Smith, Ruth E.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780764310942.

This all-new study of miniture lamps has grown out of and far beyond the first book published years ago by the author and her husband. Many (almost 600) new examples and much historical material has been combined into this up-to-date study. Miniature lamps are a fascination to people interested in antiques, lighting, and old homes. The book illustrates a wide variety of lamps by many identified makers. Miniature oil and kerosene lamps, some as diminutive as 2 1/2 inches high, are direct descendants of prehistoric lamps using animal fat and other oils. Since the miniatures which have been preserved are so small that they cannot have provided adequate reading light, their intended function remains somewhat obscure. The lamps might have found uses in sickrooms, for dispelling a childs "bogeyman", or as parlor courting lamps making a suitable compromise between the requirements of propriety and romantic aura.