World of the Book Tour

Tour

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World of the Book features more than 400 rare, remarkable and historically significant items from the State Collection, each with a unique story that highlights the cultural and emotional impact books have had across generations.

From the artistry of book design and production to the evolution of illustration, this tour charts the history of books from c. 2000 BCE to today.

On this tour, you can browse rare editions from beloved authors, including first editions of Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Octavia Butler and more.

Learn about the Australian international blockbuster that outsold Sherlock Holmes, and Melbourne's Sugar and Snails Press – one of the earliest publishers of non-sexist children's books.

Get up close to one of the oldest printed texts in the world, the Hyakumantō Darani of Japan, as well as 17th- and 18th-century printed and manuscript amulets and talismans from Europe and Mongolia.

Please meet your guide at Hansen Hall, located in the Swanston Street Welcome Zone.

What's Available

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Cultural and Theme Tours

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