Throughout May and June, we are highlighting some of ACU Library’s special collections. In these hidden gems, discover a wealth of unique and rare books, manuscripts, ephemera, and artefacts dating back to the 1800s. These collections are preserved for their value to researchers, the university, and the wider community.
The Quinn Collection: The personal library of James Quinn, the first Bishop of Brisbane
Originally from Ireland and brought to Brisbane in the early 1800s, this collection includes religious annals and books on poetry, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and atlases. It is a subset of the St Paul’s Theological College Collection, with around 1,200 items.
Physical access to The Quinn Collection is by appointment.
Explore the collection online
![bookcase full of old books](/-/media/feature/pagecontent/richtext/staff-site/ltc/quinn-cabinet-copy.jpg?la=en&hash=68E0CE9D0E0CA1B70DA0C1167985EBAE)
A cabinet from The Quinn Collection, featuring unique hide-bound books from 1593
![page of book showing anatomical drawing of knee joint](/-/media/feature/pagecontent/richtext/staff-site/ltc/quinn-knee-joint-copy.jpg?la=en&hash=F637D911359ADB422EA0225064B13706)
One recognisable item in the collection, especially for Health Sciences students, is an early edition of
Gray’s Anatomy (titled
Anatomy, descriptive and surgical) dating back to 1866.