Rare books and special collections

The Library's rare book collections date from the 15th to the 21st century. Rarity may be considered through age, uniqueness, ownership, significant edition, a special binding or illustration. 

Robbins Magic Collection

This rare collection gives an insight into the golden age of magic and conjurery

Three books piled ontop of each other

Donald MacPherson Collection of Art and Literature

The Library’s Donald MacPherson collection contains books on pure literature and fine art.

Colour illustration of knight fighting on horseback

Cervantes Collection

The Cervantes collection was gathered over 30 years by Dr Ben Haneman. The collection includes over 1100 editions of Don Quixote, and hundreds of additional works on Cervantes.

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Shakespeare’s First Folio

Magna Carta

The Library holds a rare manuscript version of the 1297 statute of the Magna Carta that was signed by King John at Runnymede.

Splendid Species

The Library is delighted to announce the complete digitisation of its renowned "pattern" set of 681 folio-sized plates for  'The Birds of Australia' by John Gould. 

Spine tingling

Looking closely at the spine could unlock the mystery of a rare book, or it could raise more questions.