World of the Book

Chart the rise, and restyling, of the beloved book in this one-of-a-kind exhibition on the history of book design, production and illustration from the Middle Ages to today.

From books that break the mould to books that changed the world, World of the Book features more than 200 never-before-exhibited items and celebrates the unique place books have in our hearts and minds.

This new display features a 19th-century boxed set of Jane Austen’s complete works; artist responses to Dante’s iconic Divine Comedy, from the 16th century to today; a selection of works by Jack Kerouac, and a photograph that hints at a Heide connection; a reflection on the Civil Rights Movement by Martin Luther King Jr that resonates today; and a collection of rare pirated editions of James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Sylvia Plath, Bob Dylan and Philip Roth.

Plus, see rare medieval manuscripts and sacred texts, magnificent natural history and botanical illustration, as well as children’s books, sketches and sculpture.