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.
Dates and times 
Date | Times |
---|---|
Sat 4 Feb |
|
Sun 5 Feb |
|
Mon 6 Feb |
|
Tue 7 Feb |
|
Wed 8 Feb |
|
Thu 9 Feb |
|
Fri 10 Feb |
|
Sat 11 Feb |
|
Sun 12 Feb |
|
Mon 13 Feb |
|
Tue 14 Feb |
|
Wed 15 Feb |
|
Thu 16 Feb |
|
Fri 17 Feb |
|
Sat 18 Feb |
|
Sun 19 Feb |
|
Location 
Dome Galleries, Level 4
State Library Victoria
328 Swanston St
Melbourne 3000
Price and bookings
This is a free event
Booking not required

Melbourne’s best pools
Pack your togs and cool off at these urban oases.

The best free and cheap family activities
Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.
Sign up to What's On weekly
Welcome! Thanks for signing up!
Discover more

For Kin and Country
Explore the extraordinary history of First Peoples’ service in the Australian Defence Force.

The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Collective Unease
New commissions inspired by the University of Melbourne’s students, archives and collections.

Tours de Force: Entertainers on the Front Line
An exhibition exploring troop entertainment.