Rare Books Expert Wallace Kirsop Cultivates a Working Library of 20,000 Volumes
Professor Wallace Kirsop, a 92-year-old Melbourne scholar, is not merely a collector but a dedicated bibliographer who has assembled a working reference library of approximately 20,000 books. These volumes fill the floor-to-ceiling shelves of his 125-year-old home and spill into an adjacent apartment, with many rare editions dating back centuries. Kirsop emphasizes that his collection serves as an extension of his lifelong work, focusing on the physical and historical aspects of books rather than accumulation for its own sake.
The Archaeology of the Printed Book
Kirsop's expertise lies in bibliography, which he describes as the archaeology of the printed book. This field examines not only content but also the materiality of books—including ownership, production details, paper, bindings, and annotations—to uncover historical insights. He argues that this discipline is crucial for understanding cultural contexts, yet it faces decline in modern education and library practices.
A Lifetime of Scholarly Contributions
With a doctorate from the Sorbonne and a career teaching French at Sydney and Monash universities until 1998, Kirsop co-founded the Bibliographical Society of Australia and New Zealand in 1969. He has been instrumental in promoting rare book studies and special collections in Australian institutions, even delivering the prestigious Sandars lectures at Cambridge University. His advocacy extends to library preservation, including cataloging efforts and leadership in user organizations.
Challenges in the Digital Age
Kirsop warns that skills in bibliography are becoming as rare as the books themselves, with fewer university programs teaching the subject. He criticizes the trend toward digital media and local-focused collections in libraries, which he calls the new parochialism. He stresses the need for access to original printed works, citing the discovery of a Giorgione sketch in a 1497 Dante edition at the University of Sydney Library as a testament to their enduring value.
Advocacy and Legacy
A prolific donor, Kirsop has gifted numerous rare books to the State Library Victoria, where a collection bears his name. He opposes recent library restructuring plans that prioritized digital experiences over reference services and laments reduced operating hours. Without a computer or mobile phone, he handwrites manuscripts and champions the longevity of printed books, asserting they require only a weatherproof room and natural light to endure.
