Rare and wonderful books to discover

The final feature in our three-part series featuring ACU Library’s special collections is a collection launched in 2017 of rare books and manuscripts relating to the history of Australian Catholicism. After five years of steady development, the History of the Catholic Church in Australia collection now numbers over 1,500 old and rare books, manuscripts, letters, ephemera, and historical objects.

Image 1: DILLON, Peter. Voyage aux iles de la mer du Sud en 1827 at 1828, et relation de La Pérouse. Paris, chez Pillet Ainé, 1830. Two volumes, octavo.

Image 2: Voyage de La Pérouse autour du monde, publié conformément au décret du 22 Avril 1791, et rédigé par M.L.A. Milet-Moreau. Paris, 1797.

The collection is a vibrant social history archive, where the scope and range are broad and inclusive. Literature, poetry, and creative writing sit alongside scientific publications and authors include both lay Catholics and members of the clergy.

The earliest books in the collection pre-date the history of European settlement in Australia, and material on the early colonial period of convict transportation is especially strong. However, a good portion of the collection also encompasses twentieth century history.

Image 3: Voyage de La Pérouse autour du monde, publié conformément au décret du 22 Avril 1791, et rédigé par M.L.A. Milet-Moreau. Paris, 1797.

In addition to preserving the history of Catholic achievements in Australia, the collection is open for active and ongoing use by researchers within Australia and abroad. It has a permanent home in a purpose-built research room at the Victor Couch library on the North Sydney campus.

All visitors are welcome. Contact library staff to make an appointment.

Image 4: PRIEUR, François Xavier. Notes d’un condamne politique de 1838. Published within Soirees Canadiennes for 1864. The full five volume set encompassing the years 1861-1865 is photographed.

Credit: All images supplied by Lisa Gielis, ACU Senior Librarian, Library Academic and Research Services and used with permissions.