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Home > Stories > Rare Book Club: from the library of Lorenzo de Medici

Rare Book Club: from the library of Lorenzo de Medici

25 October 2021

Welcome to the Rare Book Club, a show-and-tell video series where we explore, inspect and marvel at some of the unique and extraordinary rare books in the Library’s collection.

Ranging from medieval manuscripts and early printed books, through to 20th century modernist literature and contemporary artists’ books, the Rare Books Collection is full of fascinating holdings just waiting to be shared.

In our first episode, Anna Welch, Senior Librarian History of the Book and Arts, gives us an intimate look at one of State Library Victoria's most precious medieval manuscripts originating from the famed Laurentian Medici Library in Florence, Italy.

The ornate 15th century volume is thought to have been created as a wedding gift for Lorenzo de Medici himself, who was a member of the most powerful family in Renaissance Florence.

Watch the video above for a close look at the manuscript, and view the item in our collection.

About Rare Book Club

Welcome to the Rare Book Club, a show-and-tell video series where we explore, inspect and marvel at some of the unique and extraordinary rare books in the Library’s collection.

Ranging from medieval manuscripts and early printed books to 20th-century modernist literature and contemporary artist books, the Rare Books Collection is full of fascinating holdings just waiting to be shared.

Watch other episodes

More to explore