19th century British pamphlets

You can use our library computers to get full access to historical pamphlets held in seven university libraries.

What are 19th century British pamphlets?

Discover the history of Britain in the 1800s with more than 26,000 pamphlets.

These documents were an important means of public debate, covering the key political, social, technological, and environmental issues of their day. They include:

• Cowen Tracts
  Personal collection of Joseph Cowen (1829–1900), a social reformer and MP interested in social, educational, and economic issues.
• Earl Grey Pamphlet Collection
  Documents collected by the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Earls, who were interested in parliamentary reform, colonial affairs, and Catholic emancipation.
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office Collection
  Rare overseas publications sent back to London by British ambassadors.
• Hume Tracts
  Personal collection of Joseph Hume (1777–1855), radical member of Parliament, covers voting reform, Catholic emancipation, reducing the power of the Anglican church, and ending imprisonment for debt in the early 19th century.
• Knowsley Pamphlet Collection
  Reflects the political careers of the Earls of Derby, including the prime minister and 14th Earl, Edward George. Includes pamphlets on India and Ireland, religion, finance and taxation, education and law reform.
• Selections from the London School of Economics and Political Science
  Political party materials, including election manifestos and political cartoons and collections from pressure groups such as the Fabian Society and Poor Law Reform Association.
• Selections from the University of Bristol
  19th century commerce, economics, finance, politics, religion, and sociology.

Use 19th century British pamphlets in your library

To use our computers just bring along some identification or your library card if you are a member. You don't need to book but we recommend it to make sure you get a place.

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