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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.

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Biographical Sketch GeoffroiJacques Flach(1846-1919) was born in Strasbourg, France, the capital of the Alsace region, on February 16, 1846. His…

Rare Books

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The Rare Books Collection is the default designation for materials in Special Collections that are acquired as individual items. Like Special…

Related Exhibits

Geofroi Jacques Flach

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This site documents the journey of the library of Geofroi Jacques Flach from France to Missouri. He collected books over...

Selected Items

First fruits of the French Revolution

FIRST FRUITS.pdf

"Published in 1793, First Fruits of the French Revolution offers an early reflection on the outcomes of the revolutionary process as France plunged…

Letter of the Right Reverend Bishop of Leon

PRICE SIX PENCI..pdf

"Published in 1793, during one of the most turbulent years of the French Revolution, this letter by the Right Reverend Bishop of Léon—Jean-François de…

Reflections on the Revolution in France and on the Proceedings in Certain Socieities in London Relative to that Event

REVOLUTION IN FRANCE,.pdf

"Published in 1790, less than a year after the storming of the Bastille, Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France stands as one of the…

The Last Will and Testament of Lewis XVI

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.pdf

"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…

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