Story perspectives

92-Year-Old Bibliographer Donates Rare Books to State Library

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Professor Wallace Kirsop, a Melbourne bibliographer aged 92, collects about 20,000 books at home to form a working reference library.
He describes bibliography as the 'archaeology of the printed book' and influences Australia’s rare-book study.
Kirsop says serious study of works before 1801 requires multiple copies.
He donated rare books to State Library Victoria, where a collection bears his name.
Kirsop critiques library-service decline and advocates better representation for users.

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Story summary

Professor Wallace Kirsop, a Melbourne bibliographer aged 92, collects about 20,000 books at home to form a working reference library.
He describes bibliography as the 'archaeology of the printed book' and influences Australia’s rare-book study.
Kirsop says serious study of works before 1801 requires multiple copies.
He donated rare books to State Library Victoria, where a collection bears his name.
Kirsop critiques library-service decline and advocates better representation for users.