Rare and wonderful books to discover

Explore the historical and cultural memory of the Catholic Church in Australia.

The final feature in our three-part series featuring ACU Library’s special collections, is a collection launched in 2017 of rare books and manuscripts relating to the history of Australian Catholicism. After five years of steady development, the History of the Catholic Church in Australia collection now numbers over 1,500 old and rare books, manuscripts, letters, ephemera, and historical objects. 

The collection is a vibrant social history archive, where the scope and range are broad and inclusive. Literature, poetry, and creative writing sit alongside scientific publications and authors include both lay Catholics and members of the clergy. 

The earliest books in the collection pre-date the history of European settlement in Australia, and material on the early colonial period of convict transportation is especially strong. However, a good portion of the collection also encompasses twentieth century history. 

In addition to preserving the history of Catholic achievements in Australia, the collection is open for active and ongoing use by researchers within Australia and abroad. It has a permanent home in a purpose-built research room at the Victor Couch library on the North Sydney campus.

All visitors are welcome. Contact library staff to make an appointment.  

Special thanks to Lisa Gielis for photographing the collection.