Rare Books exhibtion

A display of rare and fascinating books is on show at Brighton’s Jubilee Library until December 31.

The 'Curious V' exhibition showcases some of the works in the library’s rare books collection.

Items on display include a copy of the world’s first comic book, The Looking Glass, published in 1825 and one of the world’s first pictorial textbooks for children, Visible World, published in 1658.

Other exhibits include Slave Songs of the United States, a 19th century collection of African-American slave songs, recording the daily misery of slavery and dreams of escape and freedom.

Also on show is one of the first books printed and sold by the Kelmscott Press, which was established by William Morris. The volume, The history of Godefrey of Boloyne published in 1893, was given to Brighton Library by William Morris’s widow.

The exhibition is on show in Tony Miller Reading Room at the Jubilee Library in Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE, and is open during library opening hours.

Find out more about the Rare Books collection in this video 

Further information:

The rare book and special collections are made up of more than 45,000 volumes, dating from the 13th century to the 20th century. Many of these rare books and manuscripts have been donated to the city’s libraries over 150 years.

The Curious V display contains just a small selection, others can be viewed by appointment by joining the library’s free rare books membership scheme.