French History, Politics, and Law
Special Collections holds French Revolutionary tracts as well as a large collection centering around the intersection between the history of French political institutions and the development of French law, but also includes many works on French and European history more generally. The majority of the collection dates from the 19th century, but it includes over 200 items from the 13th to 18th centuries.
How to Use the Collection
With a few exceptions, the collections can be accessed and requested through the library catalog. Finding aids for individual collections are linked on this website. Materials are available for use in the Special Collections Reading Room (room 401) during regular hours. Materials do not circulate.
Finding Aids for French History, Politics, and Law
Jacques Flach Collection.
Biographical Sketch GeoffroiJacques Flach(1846-1919) was born in Strasbourg, France, the capital of the Alsace region, on February 16, 1846. His…
Rare Books
The Rare Books Collection is the default designation for materials in Special Collections that are acquired as individual items. Like Special…
Related Exhibits
Selected Items
A Journal During a Residence in France , From the Beginning of August to the Middle of December, 1792
"This journal, written by Scottish physician and novelist John Moore, offers a vivid and detailed account of his time in revolutionary France during…
Système Social. : Ou Principes naturels de la morale et de la politique / Avec un examen de l'influence du gouvernement sur les moeurs.
3 volumes in 1. ; 21 cm
Reprint of London [i.e. Amsterdam] 1773 ed.
Account of the Revolt and Massacre Which took place in Paris, on the 10th of August, 1792.
"This pamphlet offers a vivid eyewitness or near-contemporary account of one of the most decisive and violent days of the French Revolution, the…
The Last Will and Testament of Lewis XVI
"This solemn and deeply personal document was composed by King Louis XVI while imprisoned in the Temple. In it, Louis reflects on his faith, appeals…
The Anarchy and Horrors of France, Displayed By a Member of the Convention
"Published in 1793, The Anarchy and Horrors of France offers a stark and critical view of the chaos that had overtaken the French Revolution by its…
Some Remarks on the Apparent Circumstances of the War in the Fourth Week of October 1795
"Published in 1795, Some Remarks on the Apparent Circumstances of the War in the Fourth Week of October offers a timely analysis of France's military…
Considerations on the present internal and external condition of France
"This anonymous pamphlet, published at the height of revolutionary upheaval, offers a sobering assessment of France’s condition both within its…