Library guides / Biblioteekgidse: Special Collections: Rare Books

About Rare Books

A collection of valuable and rare books on a wide range of subjects – a treasure trove of curiosities in print.

Books, rare and unique in terms of scarcity, age, value, physical appearance and subject matter are collected.

The collection preserves books dating from the 15th century up to the present day on a variety of subjects, including art, the sciences, religion, history, literature and popular culture.

The Rare Books section was established in the late 1960s to provide for the safekeeping of valuable art books and other rare materials.

When the University acquired the extensive library of the late Commander Michael Scott the collection was enriched by many first editions, leather-bound volumes and other treasures.

A reproduction of the diary of Lady Angelica Cottington, which features pressed garden fairies.

BV - Rare books (Beskermde Versameling)

K1 - Kruger: Prize winners

K2 - Kruger: Fiction

K3 - Kruger: Afrikaans en die Klassieke

K4 - Kruger: Text books

BV1 - Art literature

BV2 - South African literature

BV3 - School literature

BV4 - Children's literature

BVpam - African languages

The Rare books section is closed for walk-ins and for browsing.

Contact the Librarian on duty if there is a book you need in Rare books.

Special Collections is accessible to students and staff of Stellenbosch University
Researchers allowed by appointment only.
Email us at jsgspes@sun.ac.za with your request or to book a visit

Marieta Buys

Head: Special Collections

Telephone: 021 808 4930