The Ship of Fools, now boarding in Mirror of the World
Rare Books & Arts, Visual arts:
Currently on display in Mirror of the World is a 1570 English edition of Sebastian Brant’s famous German satire The Ship of Fools.
Understanding Spring Street End
Get the inside story on one of our permanent artworks.
New: La fin du monde
News:
New to our collection, ‘La fin du monde’ (1919) is a true work of art, featuring spectacular illustrations by French Modernist Fernand Léger.
Our favourites
Hear our staff members reveal their favourites from the Library’s collection.
The beginning
Welcome to our new blog channel, Our stories – uncover treasures from our collection and come behind the scenes to meet Library insiders.
A new look for the Library
News:
You may have noticed that we look a little different? Let us introduce you to the State Library’s new look.
Press photography exhibition launch
News:
Showcasing incredible moments captured by Australia’s top press photographers, the 2014 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography exhibition launched at the Library.
Martha Needle – Melbourne’s 19th century serial poisoner
People & professions, Such was life:
In 1894, Martha Needle was sentenced to death for the murder of her prospective brother in law, Louis Juncken, and executed in the Old Melbourne Gaol. She was also said to have poisoned her husband Henry, their three daughters Mabel, Elsie and May, as well as attempting to murder Herman Juncken.
Victoria’s early horse trams
Social life & customs, Such was life:
In 1884 Melbourne’s first tramway- a horse tramway in Fairfield- was built to promote land sales in the area (100 years of Melbourne’s trams, pg 1). Two horses pulled a carriage containing… Read More ›
Overheard at Grasslands
News:
The Library’s steps have been covered in native grasses for the last month – hear what Melbourne thinks as the Grasslands installation comes to a close.
Such was life
Early views of Melbourne by Robert Russell
Surveyor and artist Robert Russell published an early survey of Melbourne featuring the Yarra Falls that determined the site for the foundation of the township. He also produced drawings and watercolours of the Yarra Falls from where his cottage was located.
Arts
Collecting Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie was a leading author of the golden age of detective fiction whose books continue to excite, delight and intrigue readers. To celebrate her outstanding legacy, State Library Victoria recently acquired first editions of some of Christie’s most popular titles.
