Find New Zealand rare books alongside one of the country's most significant collections of international treasures, including works printed in te reo Māori.
He pukapuka puiaki Rare books
Eric Craig. New Zealand ferns: 172 varieties. Auckland, 1892. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
Uncover unique and important volumes in our Rare Books collection. From Governor Sir George Grey's personal library to contemporary private press publications, these collections encompass a variety of rare items defined by age, limited print runs, historical significance and artistry.
View the rare books collection
These books are for reference only – they cannot be borrowed. Some rare books can be found online while others can be accessed in person by appointment with a specialist librarian.
Have a research question? Get help from specialist staff by filling out the research enquiry form.
Featured collections
Sir George Grey’s collection
Rossdhu Book of Hours, from between the years 1450 - 1475. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
Sir George Grey’s bequest to Auckland in 1882 formed the foundation of the rare books collection. His library included Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts as well as some manuscripts in the eastern calligraphic tradition from the 16th to the 19th century. Highlights include all four folios of William Shakespeare and William Blake's America and Europe.
The Rossdhu Book of Hours, a Christian devotional book, was probably produced in Bruges between 1450 and 1475. Its first owner was likely the Countess of Moray, Elizabeth Dunbar, who lived with her third husband at Rossdhu, Scotland.
Pre-1800 printed rare books
Speculum humanae salvationis. Printed by Gunter Zainer in 1473. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
The pre-1800 collection comprises over 2,500 books from the invention of printing in the mid-15th century to 1800. It includes over 100 books printed before 1500 (incunabula).
The title of Speculum humanae salvationis first appeared in the 1320s. This rare printed version from 1473 features coloured woodcuts with early typography.
New Zealand printed collection
Herbert B. Dobbie. 145 varieties of New Zealand ferns. Auckland, 1880. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
The New Zealand printed collection is strong in 19th century publications, including early issues of newspapers, serials and pamphlets. It covers all of New Zealand, particularly pre-1945 publications.
The rare volume 145 varieties of New Zealand ferns served as a practical guide for fern enthusiasts of its time. It features illustrations of native ferns, carefully reproduced on sensitive paper to capture their delicate details. Designed for readers to compare live specimens with these illustrations, the book enabled early collectors to identify various fern species accurately.
Children’s historical collection
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Beauty and the beast, or, The magic rose, with eight coloured engravings. London, 1825. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
The children’s historical collection contains international and New Zealand works from the 17th century to the present. The collection supports research into the development of children’s literature and includes examples of different styles of printing and illustration.
This copy of Beauty and the beast, also known as The magic rose, can be viewed in person along with other children’s titles that show us how popular tales have evolved over time.
Reed Dumas collection
Charles Garand. Georges le mulatre. Paris, 1878. Reed Dumas Collection. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
The extraordinary items in the Reed Dumas collection came to Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections via Frank Reed’s bequest.
The Reed Dumas collection includes some 3,350 volumes of printed works. Over 2,000 sheets written by Alexandre Dumas (père) (1802–1870) are included in the collection, including the above sheet, Georges le mulatre by Charles Garand.
Want to donate to the collections?
We welcome discussions about potential donations to our collections. Find out what kinds of material we accept, how to contact us and what to expect from the process.
