World of the Book

World of the Book features more than 300 rare, remarkable, historically significant items in the State Collection, uncovering the unique stories they tell and celebrating the unique place books have in our hearts and minds.

This year’s themes cover books and ideas; books and imagination; exploring the world; art and nature; and artists and books.

Marvel at a variety of firsts: the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji by female Japanese author Murasaki Shikibu; a celebration of 550 years since the first printing in English with rare examples of William Caxton’s work; and first editions by internationally renowned authors Toni Morrison and Haruki Murakami.

Discover the imaginative realms of AA Milne and Winnie the Pooh; original pulp fiction art; contemporary art inspired by master illustrators of birdlife and nature; and Suffragette history acquired through the Library’s Women Writers Fund.