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
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…
Académie des sciences (France) Mémoires “Observations des différents effets que produisent sur les végétaux les grandes gelées d'hiver et les petites gelées du printemps.”
Vols. for 1816- numbered also as 2. sér., t. 1-(varies, lacking on some vols.)
Some volumes published out of chronological order.
Includes…
The Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between His Britannick Majesty, and the Most Christian King
"The Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship marks the formal conclusion of the American Revolutionary War between Great Britain and France. Signed…
Reflections on the Revolution in France and on the Proceedings in Certain Socieities in London Relative to that Event
"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
"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…