Books, pamphlets, broadsides, posters, periodicals, newspapers and some manuscripts mostly relating to Federation and political and constitutional history.

A gift from the Ralf Iannuzzi Memorial Trust is helping us to digitise some of our rarest items. 

Learn about 2025 National Library of Australia Fellow John Morrissey's research into poet and environmentalist Judith Wright. 

If you are considering independently publishing your book, learn how to get your published book into the Library's collection.

About 360 titles, particularly strong in first editions of English poetry and novels published in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century.

Susannah Fullerton OAM, President of the Jane Austen Society of Australia delivered a public lecture marking the 250th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.

553 books from the 19th to mid-20th century with a particular strength in botany and gardening, among many other subjects.

Books on music and printed music published in Britain from the mid-17th century to the 20th century.

Papers including letters, newspaper cuttings, published caricatures, original cartoons, letters and literary manuscripts, mostly related to Australian and New Zealander writers, journalists, composers and artists.

Discover new stories held within our collection and build on conversations steeped in nostalgia, curiosity and transformation. 

This small but significant collection of early 20th-century German and Austrian books includes poetry, plays, novels, essays, fairytales, folklore, art books, memoirs, and works on theatre and opera. Many are rare or limited editions, notable for their fine bindings and illustrations.

Explore the history and diversity of Australian romance books in our collection.