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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. 

MU Library Catalog

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

Thick book with an engraved wooden cover and exposed binding

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

Proceedings in the National Convention of Paris; And Other Authentic Documents Respecting Religion in France.

Page with larger and smaller printing

"Published in 1794, Proceedings in the National Convention of Paris; And Other Authentic Documents Respecting Religion in France offers a crucial…

The Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between His Britannick Majesty, and the Most Christian King

Page with larger and smaller printing in different styles with large letters T H B in curving vine style

"The Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship marks the formal conclusion of the American Revolutionary War between Great Britain and France. Signed…

Addresses Aux Francois Par un Membre du Tiers-Etat

Page with larger and smaller printing with two horizontal lines and one single horizontal line at bottom

"Published in 1795, Addresses Aux François Par un Membre du Tiers-État offers a thoughtful and impassioned plea to the French people from the…

Quelques Notices pour L'histoire, Et Le Recit De Mes Perils

Page with Larger and smaller printing in different styles

"Published on the eve of one of the French Revolution's most dramatic turning points, this pamphlet by Jean-Baptiste Louvet offers a deeply personal…

The Anarchy and Horrors of France, Displayed By a Member of the Convention

Page with larger and smaller printing in different styles and grey-brown staining on sides and bottom

"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…

A Journal During a Residence in France , From the Beginning of August to the Middle of December, 1792

Page with larger and smaller printing in different styles and large brown staining on upper left side

"This journal, written by Scottish physician and novelist John Moore, offers a vivid and detailed account of his time in revolutionary France during…

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