13 March 2018
Rare 15th Century books donated to National Library of New Zealand
Close-up of a decorated initial ‘E’, from a book printed in Germany in 1483
A collection of rare books printed more than 500 years ago and valued at nearly $200,000 have been donated to the
Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington.
The 20 books, printed between 1472 and 1512, were bequeathed from the estate of Mr John Barton (1931–2016), a book
collector from New Plymouth, who named his collection the Dalberton Library. The books include works on theology, Latin
classical texts, the lives of saints and astrology.
One volume, a history of the world to the end of the 14th Century by Archbishop Antoninus of Florence (1389–1459) and
printed in Lyon, France, is one of only eight known in the world.
‘’We were delighted to receive this very generous offer and the library is privileged to accept these volumes into the
national collection,’’ says Anthony Tedeschi, the Alexander Turnbull Library’s Curator Rare Books and Fine Printing.
‘’These books are rare, particularly in Australasia. Four of the books were printed within 25 years of the Gutenberg
Bible – ¬the very first book printed in Europe using moveable type. Most of the books are the only copies of these
specific editions in New Zealand. They will be of particular interest to scholars and researchers of late medieval and
early modern history. Some include handwritten notes by their early owners, offering us a window into the thinking of
centuries-old readers,’’ Tedeschi says.
The Alexander Turnbull Library has a long history of collecting rare books, starting with the library’s founder and
namesake, Alexander Turnbull, almost 100 years ago. The books, to be known as the John Barton Collection, will be
available for request from mid-July.
Ends.