National treasures from Australia's great libraries brings our national memory to life, for the first time showcasing more than 170 treasures that have helped define our nation -- where we come from, who we are and what sets us apart. Both a guide and a lasting record of a remarkable exhibition, this richly illustrated catalogue reveals the magnificent collections of Australia's National, State and Territory libraries.

Website for the exhibition. "National Treasures from Australia's Great Libraries brings together, for the first time, more than 170 extraordinary items that have shaped our nation. Drawn from the magnificent collections of Australia's National, State and Territory libraries, the exhibition contains a diverse range of manuscripts, maps, drawings, paintings and objects - from the everyday to the exotic - all linked to Australia. This exhibition is an initiative of the Council of Australian State Libraries (CASL) and has been managed by the National Library of Australia. It will tour to every state and territory capital city from December 3 2005 to August 2007."

Full-colour illustrations of all the items in the exhibition with commentary on each.

LIBRARY OF DREAMS interprets and celebrates a diverse selection of treasures from the rich and varied collections of the National Library of Australia. The book examines over 50 of the most popular items, page by page, in the Library's collections, including: James Cook's Endeavour journal; William Bligh's notebook and list of mutineers; The only surviving Australian convict uniform; The original manuscript of 'Waltzing Matilda'; William John Wills' diary; Jorn Utzon's models for the design of the Sydney Opera House; The manuscripts relating to the trial of Lindy Chamberlain Beautifully illustrated throughout, this souvenir publication examines what makes a national treasure and inspires readers to take a closer look at what libraries reveal about Australia's heritage. The publication will appeal to a broad range of readers, in particular those with an interest in Australian history and anyone who loves beautiful, rare objects and appreciates Australian culture.

Archaeologists are synonymous with artifacts. With artifacts we construct stories concerning past lives and livelihoods, yet we rarely write of deeply personal encounters or of the way the lives of objects and our lives become enmeshed. In this volume, 23 archaeologists each tell an intimate story of their experience and entanglement with an evocative artifact. Artifacts range from a New Britain obsidian tool to an abandoned Viking toy boat, the marble finger of a classical Greek statue and ordinary pottery fragments from Roman England and Polynesia. Other tales cover contemporary objects, including a toothpick, bell, door, and the blueprint for a 1970s motorcar. These creative stories are self-consciously personal; they derive from real world encounter viewed through the peculiarities and material intimacy of archaeological practice. This text can be used in undergraduate and graduate courses focused on archaeological interpretation and theory, as well as on material culture and story-telling.

"How images of Australian birds have changed over time as illustrated by the following artists whose work is in the Library's collection: John Hunter, George Raper, Sarah Stone, John Lewin, John and Elizabeth Gould, Henry Richter, Neville Henry Cayley, Neville William Cayley, Ebezer Edward Gostelow, Lilian Medalnd, Betty Temple Watts, William Cooper. There is a short biography for each artist"--Provided by publisher.