The museum library has just over 2,400 titles within the Rare Books Collection, spanning the 16th century through to the 20th century. Much of this material is irreplaceable and, being paper-based objects, are in a fragile state. It’s easy to forget these rare books were originally found in labs, offices and on shelves in libraries for reference to the latest discoveries of their time.
This collection is accessible only by appointment.
There's an array of titles in the collection that are valued for their hand coloured illustrations or being the volume containing the first description of a species.
John Gould's "Birds of Australia" in seven volumes was released in 1848. Only 250 sets were published. The folio's not only describes, but also illustrates 600 Australian birds. It was groundbreaking when published, with about half of the species included being previously unknown. These days it's coveted for the beautiful hand-coloured lithographic illustrations.
Our oldest book is the Latin text Libri de piscibus marinis (English translation being Summary of Marine Fishes). It was published in Lyon, France in 1554 and is considered to be one of the first volumes dedicated to ichthyology. Rondelet also the created of the woodblock illustrations within the 600 page volume.
This is Ann...she's dying to meet you
Can a book be cute? Even when it's subject matter is malaria prevention? This 1944 US War Department booklet features 'Ann', an anopheles mosquito, who advises troops, in a humorous manner, how to avoid malaria. The illustrations are by Army Captain Theodore Seuss Geisel (aka Dr Seuss). The museum library is one of four libraries in Australia to hold this book, and one of 35 worldwide.
Provenance: Part of Elizabeth Marks Collection, housed in entomology.
Gouldian Finch, from Vol 3 of "Birds of Australia". Image: Queensland Museum, Geoff Thompson.
Frontispiece woodcut illustration of the author Guillaume Rondelet. Image: Queensland Museum, Geoff Thompson.
Front cover of "This is Ann: she's dying to meet you". Image: Queensland Museum, Geoff Thompson.
Read our blog to learn more about Queensland Museum's Rare Book Collection.
Read our blog to learn more about Queensland Museum's Rare Book Collection.
Read our blog to learn more about Queensland Museum's Rare Book Collection.
Read our blog to learn more about Queensland Museum's Rare Book Collection.
Read our blog to learn more about Queensland Museum's Rare Book Collection.
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Since 1862, we’ve been dedicated to collecting and researching Queensland's unique natural and cultural heritage.
