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
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…
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…
Proceedings in the National Convention of Paris; And Other Authentic Documents Respecting Religion in France.
"Published in 1794, Proceedings in the National Convention of Paris; And Other Authentic Documents Respecting Religion in France offers a crucial…
A Letter from Earl Stanhope to the Right Honorable Edmund Burke Containing a short Answer to his late Speech on the French Revolution
"A Letter from Earl Stanhope to the Right Honorable Edmund Burke offers a direct rebuttal to Burke’s influential Reflections on the Revolution in…
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…
First fruits of the French Revolution
"Published in 1793, First Fruits of the French Revolution offers an early reflection on the outcomes of the revolutionary process as France plunged…
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…