This is the digital archive of Rare Books and Special Collections, University of Sydney Library. Digital copies of selected items have been placed in this repository for archival reasons and to facilitate access to fragile materials.

Originals are available in the Rare Books and Special Collections Library, Level 1 Fisher Library.
Contact: (02) 9351 2992,
[email protected],
https://library.sydney.edu.au/collections/rare-books/

Digital copies have been scanned, unless stated otherwise, at 600 dpi in tiff format.

These digital images are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the University of Sydney Library.

  • Treasures include manuscripts, early printed books, bibles, scientific works and modern works.
  • Rare Books collection contains early printed books from the late 15th century to 1801, including early Australian publications.
  • Special Collections are formed collections covering specific subject areas, including collections that were formerly private libraries or collections formed by individuals before being acquired by Rare Books and Special Collections.
  • Manuscript Collections are collections of personal papers, correspondence and Australian literary manuscripts and include photographs and realia.
  • Literary Prizes are winning entries in annual competitions for original composition in areas such as English, Latin, Australian History, Law, Classics, Government and Music, for example Wentworth Medal essays.

Sub-collections in this collection

Recent Submissions

  • Poissy processional 

    Catholic Church
    Published 2021-01-12
    A written and illuminated book of plainchant music that contains the liturgical processions used by nuns at the Dominican convent of Saint-Louis de Poissy at the beginning of the sixteenth century, between 1500 and 1510. ...
    Open Access
    Book
  • [Officium tenebrae] 

    Unknown author
    Published 1580-01-01
    An entirely handwritten psalter which seems to be of Spanish origin. This book of plainsong was used to celebrate the Office of Darkness during Triduum Pascal (Feria V in Coena Domine, lectione IX-Feria VI in Parasceve, ...
    Open Access
  • [Officium de septem dolorium Hebdomade] 

    Unknown author
    Published 1500-01-01
    A manuscript on paper with 12 lines per page. To p. 168 it is by the same hand. The last gathering of 10 leaves is from an older manuscript, also on paper, with 16 lines per page. Bound with old oak boards with metal bosses ...
    Open Access
  • [Spanish antiphonal] 

    Unknown author
    Published 1575-01-01
    Written in red and black on 18 leaves of vellum with rubricated initials, with a mid 16th century full calf binding with gilt rules and decorations. Light worming on last 2 leaves.
    Open Access
  • Processional (without musical notation), with prayers and responsories for the dead. 

    Unknown author
    Published 1530-01-01
    Contents of the responsories focus on liturgical processions for the dead. The book is designed for personal use, with 8 lines per page, small in size and large in script, and without music notation. With its several Spanish ...
    Open Access

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