Rare Book Collection

The principal collection of over 40,000 books includes those published before 1840 (1900 for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n works), fine and limited editions, works vulnerable because of their size or format, and selected publications of anticipated long-term research and reference value.

Areas of particular strength and/or interest include:

  • ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥na
  • ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Aboriginal languages and cultures
  • Early printing (including Incunabula)
  • English literature of the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Illustrated books
  • Medicine (including herbals and pharmacopoeias)
  • Natural history (notably birds and flora, including orchids)
  • Pacific voyages and exploration
  • Private press and fine editions, including The Folio Society
  • South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n colonial history
  • Women

Works in the Rare Books collection are identified in the Library catalogue by the location type 'Rare Books & Manuscripts Rare Books Collection'.