The State Library has a significant collection of rare Australian and international books. These rare items have been donated or purchased over the years and the Friends of the State Library of South Australia have helped considerably in building this collection. The library also holds many unique 'named' collections of material which have often been donated by the individuals or organisations who developed them. These are listed and described in Named Collections (see tabs above).
A rare book may be defined as one which has become a scarce and valued item requiring particular care in both its use and preservation. This may be because of its:
The collection includes items ranging in age from a 2500 year old clay tablet from the Akkadian dynasty (a list of hats and their owners) up to the present, including a small number of electronic format items. The library aims to maintain a visible and tangible record of the history of civilisation.
Other appropriate items may be included on an individual basis.
All rare book items must be used in the Somerville Reading Room and require State Library membership.
While some items are available to be requested via the catalogue at normal retrieval times, the retrieval of other items requires a longer turnaround. The item record will indicate if this is the case.
For advice about how to care for books in your own collection, or how to assess their potential worth, see our ‘Caring for your Collections’ guide.
The Antiphonal - is one of the jewels of the collection. For more details visit the Antiphonal website.
The birds of Australia - by John Gould published in 1848 in seven volumes and a supplement
Banks' florilegium - a publication in thirty-four parts of seven hundred and thirty-eight copperplate engravings of plants collected on Captain James Cook's first voyage round the world in H.M.S. Endeavour, 1768-1771
Biblia Sacra - a facsimile edition of Gutenberg's Bible.
Book of Kells - this facsimile edition reproduces the Book of Kells for the first time in its entirety and in full colour.
The Canterbury tales- a leaf from the Knight's tale - from the first published edition printed by William Caxton ca 1477.
Palm leaf manuscripts - where the text has been etched on to palm leaves, then coloured.
Arcana - by George Perry features some of the earliest published sketches of Australian animals by Europeans.
The posthumous papers of the Pickwick Club - containing a faithful record of the perambulations, perils, travels, adventures, and sporting transactions of the corresponding members - a pirate edition of Dickens's novel published in Tasmania in 1838.
Ethiopian manuscript book - Written in Ge'ez, the ancient Ethiopian church language, this well-worn manuscript book contains psalms and hymns from the Old Testament, the Song of Solomon, and prayers to the Virgin Mary. Although it looks medieval, the volume is thought to date from the 19th century.
Search our Digital Collections for more highlights.
Pencil and watercolour sketch of Malurus callainus (Splendid Fairy Wren) is by Henry Constantine Richter. Richter was employed by the distinguished British ornithologist John Gould. From The birds of Australia - by John Gould published in 1848 in seven volumes and a supplement.
National Treasures from Australia's great libraries
Treasures from the world's great libraries - the website based upon the exhibition held at the National Library Australia during late 2001 and early 2002. It features the State Library of South Australia's own Antiphonal.
Hordern House - a rare books and manuscripts dealer and publisher
Michael Treloar Antiquarian Booksellers - South Australian bookseller
Abebooks - a source for used, rare and out of print and new books
