Rare Book Collection

The principal collection聽of over 40,000 books includes those聽published before 1840 (1900 for Australian 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:

  • Australiana
  • Australian 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聽The Folio Society
  • South Australian colonial history
  • Women

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