Special Collections

Historically significant, rare, limited edition, early printed books and more

Cultural wellbeing

The Library is committed to unlearning our past collecting practices by centring truthtelling and the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We acknowledge that due to the colonial legacy of our collections there may be materials with culturally sensitive, outdated, racist, and other content that does not reflect current understanding or contemporary values. While we are taking steps to minimise the potential harm caused by our collection descriptions, the materials themselves are presented unaltered as historical resources in support of study and research.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that materials in the collection may contain images and names of deceased persons. If you have concerns about the descriptions used, or the access conditions for materials about Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in this collection, or have any additional information you would like us to know, please contact us.

First Nations Hub

Highlights from the collection

the university of sydney

Virginia Woolf’s personal copy of The Voyage Out

Virginia Woolf's personal copy of the first edition of her debut novel, The Voyage Out. Inscribed by author, with handwritten revisions and pasted-in typewritten carbons.

Liturgical Manuscripts

Our collection of Spanish liturgical music manuscripts includes the Lamentations of Jeremiah, several graduals, antiphonals, kyriales, tropers and two rare processionals.

NSW Bookstall Co. illustrations and artwork

A collection of original artworks created for books published by the NSW Bookstall Co. in the early 20th century.

Cosme Colony Collection

New Australia and Cosme were socialist colonies founded in Paraguay in 1893 and 1894 by a group of Australians led by William Lane.

Dante's Divine Comedy with Giorgione illustration and death notice

In our 1497 copy of Dante's Divine Comedy, there is a death notice of Renaissance artist Giorgione written above a sketch by Giorgione of the Madonna and child.

Frontiers of Science

Frontiers of Science strips were first published in 1961 in the Sydney Morning Herald. It was co-written and produced by Prof Stuart Butler and Bob Raymond.

J.J.C Bradfield Collection

J.J.C Bradfield oversaw the planning and construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This collection includes a variety of materials related to this and other projects.

Honi Soit

Honi Soit, the University of Sydney’s weekly student newspaper has been published by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) since 1929.

戲劇月刋 Xi ju yue kan (The theatre monthly)

Discontinued, monthly periodical on the Chinese theatre and drama of the 20th Century, published in Shanghai during the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Use special collections for your teaching or research

Our extensive range of special collections can enhance academic teaching and research, providing unique and valuable resources that enrich learning experiences and drive innovative scholarly exploration.

Use special collections for your teaching or research

Curate an exhibition, write a story, or present a seminar

Explore opportunities for researchers and academics to delve into the university library's collection of rare books, and sharing their insights into these historical treasures.

Email Rare Books and Special Collections

Teach with special collections

Elevate your teaching approach by integrating our remarkable special collections, offering students a hands-on encounter with history, culture, and primary sources that enrich and deepen their educational journey.