The Radical Literature collection is a research collection established in 1994 with the purchase of material from Mr Hugh Anderson.

The Radical collection has been extended by the donation of items on the Communist Party of Australia, Socialist and other left-wing groups, as well as their adversaries.

The collection has historical and social relevance, and is a useful research collection to those studying social issues related to radical groups in Australia. The collection houses several hundred pamphlets including many from overseas, as well as books and journals.

What's in the collection

The collection includes several hundred pamphlets, as well as many books and journal articles.

The pamphlets in the collection come from a variety of sources with the earliest dating back to 1898. Most provide interesting histories of groups or summaries of issues of public concern, others are pure propaganda. Many have interesting covers such as cartoons of politicians, or stirring scenes of united workers.

The majority of the material relates to the Communist Party of Australia (CPA). It includes items either written or published on behalf of the CPA or about it by supporters and opponents.

Publications from other bodies such as the Australia Council for Civil Liberties and the 'Coalition Against Poverty and Unemployment' (CAPU), are also represented.

Radical literature collection - Transcript

Access to the collection

The Radical Literature collection is a research collection. The items can't be borrowed, but may be viewed on appointment.

In the library catalogue, these items have the prefix FTS RADICAL COLL. before the shelf number.

To access material in the collection, please email our Special Collections librarians. You will receive an emailed response within five working days (Mon-Fri) and a suitable time will be arranged.

You can view the items in the Special Collections reading room on level 4 of the Footscray Park campus library.

Email: special.collections@vu.edu.au.

Contact us

VU Library welcomes inquiries from the VU research community, and individuals or groups external to the university.

Contact the Special Collections Librarians with your queries or to arrange an appointment.

Email: special.collections@vu.edu.au