Have you ever considered what goes into publishing a book? How about a book published in 1784? Come behind the scenes with Curator, Susannah Helman and discover the remarkable manuscripts that show us how Joseph Banks project-managed the official account of Cook's last voyage.

Library Curator, Susannah Helman, will take viewers behind-the-scenes of the current season’s iteration of the Library’s Treasures Gallery in this series.

Joseph Banks, Presents (Distribution List for Copies of the Official Account), 1783–1784, c.1783, nla.obj-222988718 

Read Susannah’s blog post, Publishing a book in 1784. 

The manuscript mentioned in this digital tour is:

  • An Account of the Expence of the First Edition of Capt. Cook’s Voyage, 1783–1784, Papers of Sir Joseph Banks (Manuscripts), nla.cat-vn2049605

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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