A window into Sue’s amazing collection of rare books

East Melbourne resident Sue Louis says she loves the smell of ink in the morning. To her, it “smells like history.”

Most may have a couple of books lying around – the ones we’ve read 100 times to the ones that we’re constantly trying to get around to. Collections of paper and ink, hundreds of pages long, drift our minds into uncharted waters of reality or fiction.

But for some there is much more on offer than merely an escape – some see books as a vital and necessary function of our humanity. Retaining these vessels of information bind our history, culture, language, story, together.

The Melbourne Rare Book Fair offers one of the largest assortments of unique “books, maps, and works on paper at the largest antiquarian book fair in the Southern Hemisphere.”

This year’s event, running from July 31 to August 2, marks the 55th rendition of the fair and it brings together some of the “world’s leading rare book experts and dealers, to showcase their stunning collections.”

Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers (ANZAAB) president Tim White said it was an unparallelled opportunity to “host the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers Symposium, bringing distinguished speakers from around the world to our UNSECO City of Literature.”

Yet in this vast sea of extraordinary items, including the world’s first printed object, the Hyakumantō Dhāranī, created in Japan between 764 - 770 CE, is an East Melbourne resident with a collection that rivals some of the program’s best.

Sue Louis, who “never really considered it a collection, just a love of books”, has a range of rare books spanning from the 18th to early 19th centuries.

She began collecting with her late husband as a shared common interest, an interest that now has her speaking at her own event as part of Melbourne Rare Book Week.

Asked how it came to fruition Sue told Inner City News, “I had the local librarians over to look over my collection, we didn’t make it past the first room before they urged me to be a part of the event.”.

On trying to pry the know-how of spotting rare and fine books Sue said, “It takes a while for you to be able to know what you’re looking for. But once you’re there it’s such a beautiful experience”.

“They can be found anywhere from op-shops, markets and book dealers.”

Sue said collecting was not just about the rarity and antiquity but a shared love of common history.

“It is the nature of passing these books down through generations that makes it so exciting,” she said.

Sue will be in conversation with Professor Emeritus Chris Browne at 6pm on July 30 at the East Melbourne Library located at 122 George St.

Alternatively, the Melbourne Rare Book Fair begins on July 31 and runs until August 2 at Wilson Hall, the University of Melbourne. Admission is free. •