Melbourne Rare Book Fair

I remember my first rare books library well. I was an innocent first-year uni student studying print cultures. To access the library, we descended into what can only be described as a dungeon – one which I half expected to be lit by torches and be guarded by an ancient maester scrawling with a quill on parchment –  and the medieval vibe was only enhanced by the cool temperature and distinct lack of natural light which preserved the treasures held within. The books themselves rested upon luxe cushions – worthy of one of the Queen’s corgis – and could only be delicately handled with silk gloves. It was a spectacle indeed.

Now, book lovers, collectors and fellow bookworms can rejoice at the upcoming Melbourne Rare Book Fair (MRBF). Open from Friday, 12 to Sunday, 14 July, the MRBF is the culmination of Rare Book Week, a festival of literary events in Melbourne. The fair is held at Wilson Hall at the University of Melbourne and offers more than 10,000 items ranging in price from $20 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

‘The fair is a showcase for the world of book collecting,’ says MRBF director Peter Arnold, ‘attracting leading dealers from across Australia and overseas.’

What should you see?

• Captain Pelsaert’s account of the wreck of the Batavia off the coast of Western Australia in 1629 – and the savage aftermath of mutiny, massacre, rape and the eventual hanging of the ringleaders. Yours for a mere $400,000.
• The Works of Aristotle, 1801, which is actually a frank sex manual, with a title intended to mislead prying or juvenile eyes.
• A rare football publication from 1878 – one of the earliest on AFL with some interesting rule differences!

The MRBF is free and open to everyone. Whether you are intending to kickstart your collection, simply browse, or are a seasoned collector hunting an elusive title in hopes of completing a set, this is a must-attend weekend event for book lovers.

Melbourne Rare Book Fair
Friday, 12 July to Sunday, 14 July 2019
Wilson Hall, Building 151, University of Melbourne, Wilson Avenue, Parkville
rarebookfair.com