World of the Book 2023

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.

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 explore books and ideas; books and imagination; art and nature; artists and books; and Egyptology, in honour of the 100th anniversary of the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Marvel at early editions of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, rare editions of Through the Looking-glass and What Alice Found There, and works by pioneering 18th century mathematician Émilie du Châtelet, acquired through State Library Victoria’s Women Writers Fund.

Discover books on astronomy from as far back as 336 CE, the world of shadow puppetry and artist books designed to be literally unreadable.