E. R. A. Seligman Library, bulk 1500-1920
Collection context
- Extent:
- 35000 Volumes (per JRS Uberlist: 22,619 cataloged books (from 1996/97 shelf read), 800 broadsides and 3000 pamphlets)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
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The Seligman Library of 35,000 volumes, which include books, pamphlets and broadsides, covers the subjects of economics and political science from the earliest printed books to the 1920s. Renowned for its books on economics and banking, the collection includes the library of American finance formed by Albert Bolles between 1830 and 1880, all of the works written by Alexander Hamilton, and over one thousand broadsides. The books were purchased by Columbia University in 1929 and 1942 from the collection of Professor E. R. A. Seligman (1861-1939). The Seligman classification scheme arranged the materials in chronological order, subdivided by country of publication. There is some uncataloged material, including a collection of ca. 450 pamphlets related to Chartism collected by Francis Place (1771-1854), and the Oastler collection, ca. 109 pamphlets collected by Richard Oastler (1789-1861), an English advocate of factory reform.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
All books in this collection are cataloged, and should be requested individually in CLIO. This record is for informational purposes only.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu