Rare Australian fiction on show

Over 100 works of Australian fiction are featured in a special exhibition of material from the Monash University Rare Books Collection at the Matheson Library on Clayton campus.

"The exhibition is a sample of what is available and helps show the range and depth of the holdings at Monash. There are some obvious names in the collection, as well as some of the more unusual writers in Australian history," said Mr Richard Overell, Rare Books librarian.

Highlights include Ned Kelly: the ironclad Australian bushranger by James 'Skipp' Borlase, published around 1881 in 38 weekly instalments, plus Henry Lawson's first book Short stories in prose and verse, published by his mother in 1894, and Barbara Baynton's first publication The Chosen Vessel (circa 1896).

Also on display are the English (1939) and American (1940) editions of Patrick White's first novel, Happy Valley. The book was never reprinted as the author disliked the story.

The exhibition was officially opened on 5 June with a gathering of an appreciative crowd of more than 50 and an address by prominent Australian novelist, Brian Castro.

To visit the exhibition go to level 1 of the Information Services Building in the Matheson Library before 29 September 2003, during Matheson Library hours.

A virtual tour, including Brian Castro's address, can be viewed on www.lib.monash.edu.au/exhibitions/

Rare books librarian, Richard Overell and author, Brian Castro at the opening of the "Australian Fiction" exhibition.
Photographer: Professor John Crossley

30 June, 2003

current news : 2007 : 2006 : 2005 : 2004 : 2003 : 2002 : pre-2002

Need help? Library frequently asked questions and online enquiries: current students/staff | public users, online chat, or phone +61 3 9905 5054
Something to say? Use our online enquiry service to send us your feedback and suggestions: current students/staff | public users