Rare Books Expert Wallace Kirsop's Lifelong Quest in Archaeology of the Printed Book
Prof Wallace Kirsop, a 92-year-old Melbourne resident, is not merely a collector of rare books but a dedicated scholar who has assembled a working reference library of approximately 20,000 volumes. His home, a 125-year-old house with floor-to-ceiling shelves, and an adjacent two-bedroom apartment are filled with books, some centuries old, that serve as tools for his research rather than objects for display.
The Working Library and Its Purpose
Kirsop emphasizes that his collection is an extension of his professional work, focusing on books he has studied extensively. He describes his speciality as bibliography, which he notes is often misunderstood as a simple list of books. His French colleagues have coined a more fitting term: "archaeology of the printed book." This field examines books as physical artifacts, analyzing elements like paper, watermarks, bindings, and inscriptions to uncover historical insights about their makers, buyers, and readers.
Career Contributions and Advocacy
With a doctoral background in 17th-century alchemical literature from the Sorbonne in Paris, Kirsop has been a pivotal figure in Australian academia. He co-founded the Bibliographical Society of Australia and New Zealand in 1969 and played a key role in establishing rare book studies and special collections in Australian institutions. As a former French professor at Sydney and Monash universities, he continues to publish on the history of books in Australia and France, and is the only Australian to have delivered the prestigious Sandars lectures at Cambridge University.
Beyond his scholarly work, Kirsop has been an active advocate for libraries, voluntarily cataloguing French holdings at the State Library of Victoria and serving on the State Library User Organisations' Council. He has donated numerous rare books to the library, with a collection named in his honor, and plans to bequeath the remainder in his will.
Challenges in the Digital Age
Kirsop expresses concern over the declining emphasis on rare book studies in library schools and English departments, as digital media becomes more prevalent. He criticizes what he calls "the new parochialism" in libraries, where institutions prioritize local publications over essential works needed for understanding multicultural contexts. He argues that serious research on pre-1801 books requires access to multiple physical copies, not just digital versions.
A compelling example of the value of original printed works is the University of Sydney Library's 1497 copy of Dante's Divine Comedy. In 2017, a librarian discovered a red chalk sketch by Venetian Renaissance artist Giorgione in the endpapers, along with an inscription confirming the artist's dates. This find, analyzed using the Australian Synchrotron, highlights how modern technology can enhance the study of rare books, though Kirsop stresses the enduring importance of physical access.
Criticism of Library Policies
Kirsop has been vocal about his disapproval of recent library trends, including a proposed restructure at the State Library Victoria that involved job cuts and a shift toward digital experiences, which was later abandoned. He also decries the reduction in library hours, particularly the loss of late-night openings, arguing that it limits access for working individuals. He supports better representation of library users on the library's board as a step toward positive change.
Personal Approach and Enduring Legacy
Notably, Kirsop does not own a computer or mobile phone, handwriting all his manuscripts and checking email weekly at his Monash University office. He views this not as a rejection of technology but as a commitment to enduring media. He believes that printed books and manuscripts remain accessible with minimal requirements, such as a weatherproof room and natural light, unlike digital formats that depend on hardware longevity.
Through his lifelong dedication, Kirsop has significantly impacted the preservation and study of rare books in Australia, advocating for their continued relevance in an increasingly digital world.
