Considered to be the most important rare book event in Australasia, the Melbourne Rare Book Fair celebrates 55 years when it opens on Thursday July 31 at the University of Melbourne. And in true celebratory style, there will be some extraordinary items offered for sale – including the Hyakumantō Dhāraṇī, which was created in Japan between 764-770 CE and is the world’s first printed object.
Also on show will be one of only three letters written on board the HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin’s voyages of scientific discovery, and a hand coloured first edition of the world’s first illustrated encyclopaedia, the 1493 Nuremberg Chronicle.
If that sounds a little too rarified, you’ll also find books by Tolkien, Ian Fleming and Kenneth Grahame alongside May Gibbs, terrestrial globes and maps, a signed portrait of Maria Callas and a magazine autographed by all four of The Beatles. The event covers rare books, maps and works on paper at the largest antiquarian book fair in the southern hemisphere, where it brings together the world’s leading rare book experts and dealers.
Hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers (ANZAAB), the Melbourne Rare Book Fair has celebrated a long and rich connection with books and literature for 55 years, says convener and ANZAAB Vice-President Tim White. “It has become an essential part of the global rare book calendar. This year Melbourne hosts the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers Symposium, bringing distinguished speakers from around the world to our UNSECO City of Literature. For collectors, scholars and enthusiasts alike, the Melbourne Rare Book Fair is a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of rare books and history and perhaps take some of it home with them.” Maybe even the world’s first printed object…
The 2025 Melbourne Rare Book Fair runs from July 31 to August 2 at Wilson Hall, The University of Melbourne, and admission is free. For more information go to www.rarebookfair.com
