Discover Australia through the words of Captain James Cook in the Journal of the H.M.S. Endeavour, get to know Australia's first prime minister, Sir Edmund Barton, through his papers, or find out how Australia's most iconic song 'Waltzing Matilda' came into being.
Explore over 8800 items online by viewing the selection showcased below or browse all digitised items from the Manuscript Collection in our catalogue. To review our progress read Manuscripts digitisation - progress so far and Digitisation - overview.
Catholic Church Book of hours ca. 1500
Papers of Sir Keith Arthur Murdoch, War correspondent (1914-1918)
J.C. Williamson Ltd. Magazine Programme, His Majesty's Theatre December 1936
Journal of Arthur Bowes Smyth (1750-1790)
Moya Beaver in Indian style costume and pose ca. 1934
William Bligh Notebook and list of mutineers 1789
Observations on the Southern Cross constellation c.1523 Letter of Andrea Corsali
One peso note, New Australia Colony Paraguay c.1905
The Astrologer c.1935 Algeranoff Papers
Sheet music cover c.1910 Earp Papers
Diary extract Antarctic Expedition 1929 Hurley Papers
Cabinet voting decision c.1902 Barton Papers
Some hints on the inuring of tender plants c.1805 Banks Papers
Cloth samples from Cook's Pacific voyages c.1768 Rex Nan Kivell Collection
Frank Anstey c.1919 Letters of Frank Anstey
Miles Franklin on deck chair c1931
Letter from Christina Macpherson to Dr Wood regarding the origins of 'Waltzing Matilda'
Art studio at German Concentration Camp NSW 1914-1919 Ferguson collection WWI This score was published in 1908. The score is for voice and piano, with chorus. The Library has digitised other patriotic music by W. R. Furlong, including Australians of Australia and Uphold the sports of our land.