National Library of Australia, c.1966-1972

Component identifier:

Series 10

Content Summary:

In 1966 Braga sold his considerable collection of manuscripts, pictures, newspapers, serials, periodicals, monographs and ephemera to the National Library of Australia. The Braga Collection was delivered to the National Library in several instalments from 1966 to 1967, and was distributed across the various collection areas, largely according to format. Braga was employed by the National Library as a consultant to work on his collection from December 1968 until January 1972.

This series includes some documentation of the material that the National Library acquired from Braga, particularly numerous lists of works in the Braga Collection. There are also several sequences of catalogue cards, some in Braga's hand. Most of the catalogue cards appear to document works offered by Braga to the National Library. Other catalogue cards contain citations for various works, possibly relating to Braga's historical interests and bibliographies.

During his time at the National Library, Braga was involved with various Library activities such as advising on new acquisitions and assisting with exhibitions of material from the Braga Collection. He also participated in several seminars and conferences, and this series includes the text of Braga's 'Talk to the Institute of Cartographers, Canberra. 6 May 1971' and 'Why Macao?', together with two papers that he delivered at the 28th International Congress of Orientalists in 1971, 'Father Thomas Pereira, SJ, a hero of the Christian Missions in China' and 'Asia Extrema by Father Antonio de Gouveia, SJ'.

There is correspondence, notes, notebooks, memoranda, typescript drafts of addresses and other writings, financial documents, a photograph, newspaper cuttings, printed material, ephemera and catalogue cards. Among the correspondents are Michael Cooper, J.S. Gregory, Jeffrey Grossman, K.T. Kelly, Marion Linley, Liu Ts'un-yan, Colin Mackerras, Laurence A. Noonan, Paul Rule, Glen Sanders, Harold White and Max Wood.

Further correspondence relating to Braga's time at the National Library is found in Subseries 3.3, 3.9 and 4.4. Catalogues of the Braga Collection also feature in Subseries 11.3.

[15 files + 2 boxes]

Immediate source of acquisition:

The bulk of the Braga Collection (including manuscripts, pictures, maps, newspapers, serials, periodicals, monographs and ephemera) was purchased from J.M. Braga in 1966. The component held in the Manuscript Collection at MS 4300 appears to have been formally accessioned as the J.M. Braga Papers in 1975. Several small additions have been made since the original instalment of papers was received. Most of these additions were transfers to the Manuscripts Collection from other collection areas, including a file of newspaper cuttings in May 1975, a set of microfilm reels in 1984, a file of manuscript material in 1985, lists of the Braga Collection in 1994, and two files of assorted printed material and other papers in 2009. As well, several small additions have been made by members of the Braga family. In 1992, various Braga family members donated a copy of the eulogy and order of service for Augusta Braga's memorial service, and in 2002 Angela Braga donated photographs of medals and decorations awarded to J.P. Braga, together with photocopies of early writings of J.M. Braga and eulogies for J.M. Braga and his grandson Michael Braga.

Subjects:

History

Names:

Braga, J.M. (José Maria)

Contents

Access and use