Rare Book Collection
This collection was established as a separate collection in the Fryer Library in 1968. The Hayes collection acquired in 1967 provided the major impetus for the foundation of the Collection.
The Fryer Library is also the repository for most of the University of Queensland Library’s rare books holdings. Some of the titles have been in the University of Queensland Library since it opened in 1909.
The Rare Books collection consists of over 4,500 titles. The oldest is the Decretales cum apparatu domini Bernardi et lucubrationibus Hieronymi Clarii, a 1493 codification of canon law by Pope Gregory IX published in Nuremburg. This is the only complete incunable held in the University of Queensland Library, and it is believed to be one of the oldest printed books held in Queensland libraries.
Recent acquisitions include modern limited editions of literary and artistic works. All titles are available through the Library’s catalogue. Publications are added to the collection according to the criteria of age, rarity, commercial value, fragility, physical format or subject matter. These criteria were adapted from those developed by the National Library of Australia.
The Fryer Library’s current rare books collecting focus is to build on its existing strengths in Australian and Queensland history and literature and to support the study of book history.
The Fryer Library is also the repository for most of the University of Queensland Library’s rare books holdings. Some of the titles have been in the University of Queensland Library since it opened in 1909.
The Rare Books collection consists of over 4,500 titles. The oldest is the Decretales cum apparatu domini Bernardi et lucubrationibus Hieronymi Clarii, a 1493 codification of canon law by Pope Gregory IX published in Nuremburg. This is the only complete incunable held in the University of Queensland Library, and it is believed to be one of the oldest printed books held in Queensland libraries.
Recent acquisitions include modern limited editions of literary and artistic works. All titles are available through the Library’s catalogue. Publications are added to the collection according to the criteria of age, rarity, commercial value, fragility, physical format or subject matter. These criteria were adapted from those developed by the National Library of Australia.
The Fryer Library’s current rare books collecting focus is to build on its existing strengths in Australian and Queensland history and literature and to support the study of book history.
 Decretales ... 1493 |
 Grammar of Ornament |
 Bleak House, 1853 |
 Gleanings ... 1940 |
 Fantastic Story, 1:2 (1950) |
Particular strengths are:
- Early printed books and manuscripts
- Early exploration and settlement of Australia, particularly Queensland
- Nineteenth century and early twentieth century Australian literary and historical works, with an emphasis on Queensland imprints
- Natural history
- Science fiction and fantasy
- Books as artefacts
- Association copies
Further information on the Rare Books Collection is available in the Library’s Collection Development policy.
