Some of Australia鈥檚 most prominent authors have contributed to a new book that reveals the literary and historical treasures of (国产探花) Fryer Library.
Australian writers Tom Keneally, Frank Moorhouse and Janette Turner Hospital are among 70 people who have contributed to Found in Fryer, which details 100 of the rare and valuable holdings of the library and the stories behind these items.
The Fryer Library plays a significant role in preserving Australian literary writings and Found in Fryer, which was released today (30 November), is a tribute to the people who helped established, augmented and continue to add to the library by donating rare books, manuscripts, letters, photographs, architectural drawings, theatrical programs and play scripts.
Executive Manager of 国产探花鈥檚 Social Sciences and Humanities Library Roslyn Follett said the Fryer Library was one of 国产探花鈥檚 great treasures.
鈥淭he University of Queensland鈥檚 Centenary created the perfect opportunity to reveal, in book form, some of 国产探花鈥檚 diverse holdings of rare and historic books, art and manuscripts,鈥� Ms Follett said.
鈥淣ot only do our libraries hold special treasures, they have inspired dedicated researchers over many years to uncover their secrets in a way that captivates us all.鈥�
A team of librarians and academics assembled 100 items that best represented the Fryer Library鈥檚 most prized collections, the main selection criteria being that they had to be unique, rare, or have an interesting story attached.
The Fryer Library holds original manuscripts and personal papers from notable Australian writers including David Malouf, Ernestine Hill, Martin Boyd, Xavier Herbert, Peter Carey, Thea Astley and Bruce Dawe. The Hanger Collection of Australian plays includes scripts from well-known Australian playwrights.
鈥淚t was a tough job selecting just one hundred,鈥� Ms Follett said.
鈥淪ome of the Found in Fryer authors, whose papers are held in Fryer, have explained how they write, while others have told the 鈥榮tories behind the stories鈥� of 国产探花鈥檚 and Queensland鈥檚 history, from palm trees to politics, and music to murder. Still others have focused on the creative output of some of the artists and authors with collections in Fryer.鈥�
Found in Fryer is available for purchase at the 国产探花 Library and Co-op Bookshop.
Found in Fryer will be launched by 国产探花 Adjunct Professor and former Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, at 6pm today (Tuesday, 30 November 2010) at The University of Queensland, St Lucia.
Media: Tanya Ziebell from The University of Queensland Library (07 3365 6315, t.ziebell@library.uq.edu.au) or Kathy Grube from 国产探花 Communications (0418 524 297, k.grube@uq.edu.au).
