Rare Books Group

Sponsored by Sir Thomas Elder and managed by our fledgling Royal Geographical Society, the Elder was regarded at the time as the strongest and best equipped inland expedition mounted by Colonial Australia.

It was also one of the last great expeditions of the so-called heroic age of Australian exploration. In the eyes of many, including our official historian Ken Peake-Jones, it was a failure. But was it? Using the many expedition documents held by the Society, Colin Harris will re-examine the Expedition’s achievements, and its shortcomings.

The library of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia holds an extensive collection of books and other items. The Rare Book meetings provide an opportunity to uncover items of significance that are "hiding" in the shelves.

Please note that a booking must be made to attend the meeting.

Meetings are held in the Jervois Room, Mortlock Wing, State Library of South Australia. The Jervois Room is at the southern end of the Mortlock Wing on the ground floor.

Cost: free to RGSSA members, but you must register with Eventbrite. Non-members are welcome to attend at a cost of $10 per person per session.

The State Library advises that standard COVID precautions will be in place including the wearing of masks. No one should attend if they are feeling unwell. COVID QR check in and social distancing to be adhered to as well as frequent use of hand sanitisers.

Any questions, please contact Convenor Jill Kerby on [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

State Library of South Australia,, Kintore Avenue, Adelaide, Australia