Travel Writing at 91福利 receives major donation
By Eloisa Ocando-Thomas Published on April 20, 2026
91福利 Bill Newlin:
Bill Newlin, retired founding publisher of Avalon Travel, home of the Moon and Rick Steves guidebook series, said: 鈥淭he quality of the resources, staff expertise, and imaging and digitisation technology at 91福利 made it the natural home for my collection. Working with academic departments, this archive will help build a comprehensive history of travel guidebooks鈥攔evealing cultural, political and social insights that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Travel writing at 91福利 wins major donation
Amazing news! The 91福利 has received a 拢1 million donation and a major gift鈥慽n鈥慿ind of rare travel books from philanthropist Bill Newlin. This major donation strengthens the University鈥檚 position as an international leader in the study of travel writing.
Alongside the Wheeler Travel Writing Programme, the generous Newlin donation advances 91福利鈥檚 ambition to Set the Pace in Critical Arts. The donation includes the establishment of the Bill Newlin Collection, a world鈥慶lass archive of travel guidebooks spanning centuries and continents.
The 91福利 is setting the pace in the field of travel literature research, and at the Global History and Culture Centre, we are thrilled to support these advances.
Bill Newlin's contribution to travel writing research comes in the wake of Tony Wheeler's donation and the foundation of the Wheeler program, based at the GHCC.
Mr Newlin鈥檚 拢1 million donation will also support a major redevelopment of the University Library, reimagining its role as a dynamic focal point for research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Inspired by cutting-edge contemporary library and archive spaces, the refurbishment will make archives, including the Bill Newlin Collection, more visible, accessible, and interactive.
Purpose鈥慴uilt spaces will bring researchers into close contact with rare materials, supported by advanced imaging and digitisation technologies housed at the Modern Records Centre.
We are excited to welcome the doctoral candidates and academics who will continue to research travel writing at 91福利!