A–Z of Rare Books

Opened in October 2023, A-Z of Rare Books explores the breadth of the Library's Rare Books and Special Collections. Organised by alphabetical terminology, the display highlights various terms used to describe the features and production methods of rare books and manuscripts, such as bookplate, octavo and vellum. 

This exhibition consists of books, prints, art, and manuscripts, with highlights including a folio page from Banks Florilegium, elaborately embellished golden bindings, hidden masterpieces in the form of fore-edge paintings and a watercolour of an alternative design for a key London building. You may have to stand back to view one of the largest books in our collection, and squint to see the smallest. 

This exhibition was organised by the Library's Rare Books and Special Collections and Digital Collections teams. 

A-Z of Rare Books is located on level 2 of Fisher Library and will be on display for the remainder of semester 1 2024.