The smallest books I own are too tiny for me to read with my presbyopic eyes, though quite legible under a magnifying glass.
Barbara Raheb’s Aesop’s Fables (center) and a three-volume edition of illustrated natural history books by Kathryn Hohensee of Leipzig, Germany.
During the nineteenth century, most miniature books were either devotionals or almanacs. They were given as remembrances. I like this one because the former owner inscribed it.
Small Rain Upon The Tender Herb was one of the most popular Christian tracts of the period, reprinted over and over.
These little books often came with leather cases to protect them. Some were produced in the tall, thin “finger book” format.
Cases for Small Rain and a London Almanac for 1876.
Miniature Korans were also very popular and remain so to this day (as do miniature Bibles). Korans tend to be beautifully ornamented. This one has an attached magnifying glass and is stored in an embroidered, football-shaped container.
Koran, early twentieth century (?)
Related articles
- Miniature books go on display at National Library of Scotland (theguardian.com)
- Tiny Pages (chiefwritingwolf.com)
- Miniature Books, and Sage Life Advice (meghanmasterson.wordpress.com)
Linnet Moss 
I have a small book that belongs to my great grandmother 1887 I was wondering whats the value of this book.small rain upon the tender herb.
Jim, that book was reprinted many times so it depends on which edition and what the condition is. If it is in good condition it could be worth a hundred dollars or even more. If it’s falling apart or missing pages, etc. (very common with books that were used and loved), then the value will be low to nothing.