Turnbull General Collection

The Turnbull General Collection forms part of the Alexander Turnbull Library collections.

The collection was developed from the collecting interests of Alexander Horsburgh Turnbull, and is particularly strong in 19th and early 20th century English literature.

The main collecting focus now is to support other specialist areas in the Turnbull Library collections, especially material relating to the works of John Milton and the history of print culture.

More about the Milton Collection

More about the Rare Books and Fine Printing Collection

The Turnbull General Collection includes:

• accounts of voyages and travels
• supporting literature about the works of Milton
• bibliographies, including many historical library catalogues
• biographies
• family history resources
• limited and first editions, and fine printing
• examples of 19th and early 20th century trade bindings

More about the Alexander Turnbull Library collections

The Library’s building redevelopment

The Library building in Wellington is closed for redevelopment, and due to reopen in AUgust 2012. During the relocation period, some collections are available in two temporary locations: Archives New Zealand and a reading room at 77 Thorndon Quay, Wellington.

More about collection access through the Wellington building redevelopment period

Access to items in the Turnbull General Collection

• Almost all of the original items in the Turnbull General Collection are now unavailable until August 2012.
• The Milton Support Collection is available at Archives New Zealand during the building redevelopment.
• You may be able to source copies of materials in this collection through other libraries. Our staff can assist you with this.

There are online records for all the supporting literature relating to Milton in the National Library Catalogue.

National Library of New Zealand Catalogue

Get help

We can answer your enquiries in person, by letter, phone or email. The Curator Rare Books and Fine Printing is available to help you on weekdays. An appointment is necessary.