The Vere Harmsworth Library’s latest book display explores the life of Frances Perkins, the US Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 and the first female member of the US presidential cabinet. She is known for her work on the New Deal and for upholding workers’ rights.
Library staff have also selected online resources which may be of interest to those wanting to learn more about Perkins’ life and legacy. The Library of Congress research guide and the Frances Perkins Center website both provide biographical information and links to a range of other resources for further research. Readers may also be interested in Time magazine’s August 1933 article, Labor: Truce at a Crisis, which discusses her appointment as Secretary of Labor, or in chapter 3 of U.S. Department of Labor: the first seventy-five years, which discusses the period 1933-1945 during which Perkins served in that role.
The book display can be found on the ground floor of the Vere Harmsworth Library by the comfy chairs towards the back of the room. Books are labelled as loanable or for library use only, and links to ebooks are given where the Bodleian has ebook access.
If you have any questions about working in the Vere Harmsworth Library, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.
UPDATE: The scaffolding has been successfully removed from the RAI Foyer. Access into the building through all three entrances (including the automated door) are available. [9.4.2026]
UPDATE: The scaffolding will be removed from the RAI Foyer on the morning of Thursday 9th April. As before, access into the building will be maintained, but the automated door will be out of use. Readers should expect some noise disturbance from the foyer during this time. [8.4.2026]
UPDATE: the scaffolding has been installed in the RAI Foyer, but the essential works have not yet been completed. The scaffolding remains in place, but access into the building is maintained, and the automated door can be used. We will continue to provide updates for when the scaffolding will be removed. [7.4.2026]
Essential works in the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) Foyer, will require the installation of scaffolding in the Foyer on the 2nd April, and removal of the scaffolding on the 7th April.
Entry into the RAI building and the Library will be maintained, but the automated door (on the far right as you approach the building entrance) will be unavailable. The revolving door and manual door on the far left will remain available. Signage will be provided outside for building users who are unable to access the building.
Access to the RAI basement level will be restricted.
The Library will remain open as per our currently advertised opening hours (9am-7pm). However, Readers should expect noise disruption whilst the scaffolding works are taking place. It is recommended that Readers sit on the western side of the Library (the side where the Group Study Rooms are located, closest to Rhodes House) and avoid the Mezzanine level. Readers may also request soft earbuds from the Library Enquiry Desk.
Please note that the library will also be closed, as previously advertised, on Friday 3rd April and Monday 6th April for the Easter Bank Holidays.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works. If you have any questions about the works, or using the library during this time, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.
2026 marks the Semiquincentennial or 250 year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You may have seen an increase in discussions about the American Revolutionary War and its impact (on a national and global level). You may be planning to attend one of the many events which are being held to commemorate America250, such as the RAI America 250 events.
Over this week, we will be releasing brief blogposts aimed at helping researchers find primary sources on the American Revolutionary War, in a variety of different formats, geographic focus and subject areas. It is intended to help those interested in the War, who may already have some general knowledge on the subject, to dig deeper into the different primary sources available and start their own research journey.
This guide is primarily aimed at Oxford students and researchers, and some resources will require subscription access via SSO or access to the print collections across the Bodleian Libraries, but Open Access resources are also included. This is not meant to be a complete guide nor will it be updated with new resources going forward.
The American Revolution was profoundly significant in shaping Britain’s modern history. After the initial shock – the loss of its largest mainland colonies and suffering a humiliating military defeat – the events across the Atlantic ultimately led to a redefining of the limits, priorities, and meaning of British power. Within the British political establishment and public sphere, the Revolution intensified debates about representation and executive power, with the British government and British political discourse primarily framing the conflict as an internal constitutional crisis and rebellion.
Sources for the study of the American Revolution through British eyes include parliamentary and government sources, diplomatic papers and correspondence, writings and speeches of individuals, and the public press.
Newspapers are an excellent source to reveal how the American Revolution was understood, debated, and experienced at the time, not just how it unfolded politically or militarily. They provide direct access to contemporary opinion and public debate as published in the press. The press also helps historians trace the circulation of ideas across the Atlantic world. For instance, newspapers frequently reprinted speeches, pamphlets, letters, and reports from Britain, the colonies, and Europe. As such, newspapers are a useful foil to the debates in the political establishment.
Check out our guide to newspaper resources which cover historical national and regional newspapers for Britain & Ireland and France.
The London Gazette: the first official journal of record and the newspaper of the Crown, which presented an official framing of the war and proclamations.
The Public Advertiser: one of the most widely read London newspapers which published parliamentary news, war reports, and political letters, including radical critiques.
The London Chronicle: a popular, accessible paper with extensive coverage of military events and colonial affairs; Important for gauging middle-class opinion and war weariness.
The Morning Chronicle: Often critical of ministerial handling of the war in 1780s and 1790s. From 1789 increasingly sympathetic to opposition Whig views.
The Gentleman’s Magazine: Highly influential and circulated monthly periodical which reprinted speeches, pamphlet extracts, letters, and news from America. Useful for understanding how American events were digested by a broad reading public.
In contrast to Britain, France framed the American Revolution largely as an international struggle and an opportunity to restore strategic balance within Europe, esp. after the Seven Years’ War. The initial diplomatic approach was outwardly neutral combined with some covert encouragement. During the Revolution, France adopted a more overtly critical stance towards Britain and supportive of the American cause, not least for ideological sympathies. Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes and French foreign minister 1774-1787, was the central figure in shaping French diplomatic policy.
Check out our guide to newspaper resources which cover historical national and regional newspapers for France.
Newspapers and Gazettes
Gazette de France: official newspaper of the monarchy which carefully framed American events.
Mercure de France: one of the most important literary-political journals which published essays, poems, and commentary celebrating American liberty and figures like Franklin.
Journals and Reviews
Affiches, annonces et avis divers (via Gallica): regional papers that largely spread enthusiasm for the American cause beyond Paris. The availability of issues for this period is very mixed so you may need to search Gallica in more detail.
Journal de Paris: the first daily newspaper in France which covered American events in an accessible, non-specialist tone.
2026 marks the Semiquincentennial or 250 year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You may have seen an increase in discussions about the American Revolutionary War and its impact (on a national and global level). You may be planning to attend one of the many events which are being held to commemorate America250, such as the RAI America 250 events.
Over this week, we will be releasing brief blogposts aimed at helping researchers find primary sources on the American Revolutionary War, in a variety of different formats, geographic focus and subject areas. It is intended to help those interested in the War, who may already have some general knowledge on the subject, to dig deeper into the different primary sources available and start their own research journey.
This guide is primarily aimed at Oxford students and researchers, and some resources will require subscription access via SSO, but Open Access resources are also included. This is not meant to be a complete guide nor will it be updated with new resources going forward.
This is Part 2: archival documents, maps and state histories.
Map of the first thirteen colonies and the years when they first entered the Union. Beside the motto “Join or Die” is a snake segmented into thirteen parts, each labelled with the abbreviation of a state, copied from a colonial block print, originally published by Benjamin Franklin. Painted in 1994 by Allyn Cox. Architect of the Capital
This collection is part of the archives of the United Society Partners in Gospel (USPG) or Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG) related to the activities of the North American branch. The collection includes correspondence and journals from missionaries documenting life during the American Revolution (the B and C series letter books) as well as sermons and responses from the Society. Note: the Weston Library holds the physical collections of the USPG.
The full text of thousands of American periodicals published between 1684 and 1912, digitised from the collections of the American Antiquarian Society. Search full-text, browse by publication date or search by Subject Terms (“American Revolutionary War, 1775-1783”).
This online site contains a range of transcribed primary sources. Although mostly aimed at younger ages, the sources provide a useful glimpse into American military history. Sources can be filtered to the American Revolutionary War.
Digitised images of the pages of American magazines and journals published from colonial days to the dawn of the 20th century. It includes 89 journals published between 1740 and 1800 which offer insights into America’s transition from colonial times to independence. It includes one of the first mass printings of the Declaration of Independence, a letter by George Washington on the crucial Battle of Trenton, and the writings and publications of Benjamin Franklin.
Collection of early printed American imprints (1639-1800). Over 37,000+ imprints embrace every aspect of life in 17th and 18th century America. Includes printed books, pamphlets and broadsides, alongside advertisements, chapbooks, diaries, gazetteers, hymnals, wills and more. Covers the Revolutionary War period – limit your search by date or use terms such as “American Revolutionary War” or “Continental Army.
Maps
Maps provide a useful visual tool to understand the military positions of both sides during the American Revolutionary War, as well as the British, French and American understanding of the country. They were also tools used by both sides to plan their next moves.
The Animated Map Collection helps to bring the story of America’s past to life, while illustrating the important role that these conflicts and battlefields played. Although aimed at younger audiences, this provides useful information about the American Revolutionary War’s battles.
Digitised maps from the collections of the Library of Congress. Includes general mapping of the geography and terrain, as well as military movements and encampments. Maps are sourced from seven different countries, including the United States, Britain and France.
A digital portal that collates digitized maps of North America made between 1750 and 1800 into a single place, sourced from 20 different libraries and archives. Maps can be searched by specific areas, time periods, colonial powers or native tribes, or by map features (such as images of animals).
Histories of the American Revolutionary War by state
Our current book display encourages readers to explore the history and cultural impact of film and the movie industry in the United States, timed to coincide with the film award season.
The display also highlights the following online resources which may be of interest:
The Bodleian’s Film Studies LibGuide is intended to help users find books, films and online resources such as ebooks, journals, and bibliographic databases on film studies topics.
The Media History Digital Library is a free online resource featuring millions of pages of books and magazines from the histories of film, broadcasting, and recorded sound. Users can search US collections specifically, and there are short guides to topics such as “Early cinema” and the “Hollywood studio system”.
The book display can be found on the ground floor of the Vere Harmsworth Library by the comfy chairs towards the back of the room. Books are labelled as loanable or for library use only, and links to ebooks are given where the Bodleian has ebook access.
If you have any questions about working in the Vere Harmsworth Library, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.
2026 marks the Semiquincentennial or 250 year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You may have seen an increase in discussions about the American Revolutionary War and its impact (on a national and global level). You may be planning to attend one of the many events which are being held to commemorate America250, such as the RAI America 250 events.
Over this week, we will be releasing brief blogposts aimed at helping researchers find primary sources on the American Revolutionary War, in a variety of different formats, geographic focus and subject areas. It is intended to help those interested in the War, who may already have some general knowledge on the subject, to dig deeper into the different primary sources available and start their own research journey.
This guide is primarily aimed at Oxford students and researchers, and some resources will require subscription access via SSO, but Open Access resources are also included. This is not meant to be a complete guide nor will it be updated with new resources going forward.
This is Part 1: Useful Starting Points, Founding Documents and Founding Fathers.
This is our Bodleian online guide to everything related to US History, Politics and Culture at Oxford, with new subscriptions and resources regularly updated. This specific page relates to the Colonial and Revolutionary era, and includes a range of different primary sources.
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and includes a range of resources on US and global history. They also produce useful research guides, like the one linked above, which summarise their collections (both digitised and physical), and recommended external resources.
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Here you can find a snapshot of the material history of the American Revolutionary War, including portraits, pamphlets and objects.
Part of Society of Cincinnati Historical Society, the collection includes contemporary books, prints, maps and manuscripts from the period. This link is for the digitised collections, but the main website also includes online exhibitions and further information.
Based in Philadelphia, the online pages of the museum includes a catalogue of the key items, online exhibitions, interactive features and wider bibliographies.
Charters of Freedom Hall, National Archives, Washington, D.C. Part of the Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
Hosted by the US National Archives, this webpage includes digitisations, transcripts and historic background of three key documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the US Bill of Rights.
Hosted by the Library of Congress, this collection includes 277 documents relating to the work of Congress and the drafting and ratification of the Constitution. Items include extracts of the journals of Congress, resolutions, proclamations, committee reports, treaties, and early printed versions of the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
This landmark work in historical and legal scholarship draws upon thousands of sources to trace the Constitution’s progress through each of the thirteen states’ conventions.
Detailed Guide from the Library of Congress for each American Founder, including further links and bibliographies. The Library of Congress holds and has digitised the papers of several key political figures and presidents, such as Washington, Hamilton, Franklin and Jefferson
Based on the records of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). Includes correspondence and other papers of seven key figures from the American Revolutionary era.
I am pleased to report that the Oxford University members now have trial access to the Adam Matthew database Sex and Sexuality (parts I and II). This trial will run until the 28th February 2026.
Please be aware that this resource contains material of a sexually explicit nature. Content includes, but is not limited to, descriptions and imagery of sexual violence; non-consensual sexual activity; sexual activity including minors; surgery and suicide.
From papers of leading sexologists to LGBTQI+ personal histories, Sex & Sexuality allows researchers to explore changing attitudes to human sexuality, gender and sexual behaviour. Geographic coverage is primarily in the United States, but also includes archival material from the UK and Australia.
Module I is sourced solely from the Kinsey Institute Library and Special Collections
Module II is sourced from US, UK and Australian archives, and focus on personal experiences and self-expression.
About the US based collections
Collections sourced from the Kinsey Institute Library and Special Collections include:
The personal and professional correspondence of Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey, founder and Director of the Institute (1935-1956)
Professional and personal correspondence of the 2nd-3rd Directors of the Institute.
Articles and correspondence related to “The Kinsey Report”, a sexual advice column from the 1980s-early 90s.
Annual reports from the founding up to the 1980s.
Papers of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sex (SSSS)
Papers of key researchers associated with the Institute or later donated, such as Alice Fields, Harry Benjamin and James W. Edwards.
Ephemeral collections of leaflets, pamphlets, newsletters, magazines and “pulp fiction” including discussions of depictions of sexual behaviour, or pornographic material.
Collections sourced from the One Archives at the USC Libraries include:
LGBTQ+ activists, such as Adele Starr, founder of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG).
LGBTQ+ individuals, providing insights into their personal lives and relationships.
Papers of various Community and Activist Groups, many of which are based in Los Angeles but also includes national organisations.
Pamphlets such as Little Blue Series, part of the Halderman-Julius Publications.
I am pleased to report that the Vere Harmsworth Library has organised trial access to the Newsbank/Readex database LGBTQ+ Life in America. This trial will run from the 28th January until the 28th February 2026.
Sourced from more than 16,000 American and global news publications, this resource provides insights into the reporting and voices of LGBTQ+ communities. Coverage begins from the earliest representations in American and global news up to the modern day. This includes historic coverage which may be difficult to identify due to the use of veiled language or media biases. Coverage starts from the 19th Century up to the present period.
Sources are full-text searchable and can be categorised by era, or researchers can use the Suggested Searches to find popular topics. These list some of the key events/themes/figures from each time period, providing a helpful overview for users who may not be familiar with the wider historical context.
The new selection of titles for the Alain Locke Collection are now available and on display in the Vere Harmsworth Library!
Readers will be able to see the new selections on the Ground Floor of the Library. This area, as part of our agreement with the Association of American Rhodes Scholars (AARS), will be dedicated to displaying and promoting the Collection.
With the kind agreement of the AARS, two collection intakes will be taken each year, totalling $10,000 worth of books per year.
A selection of some of the book covers from the January 2026 intake.
In spring 2021, the VHL and RAI agreed to create the Alain Locke Collection with support from the AARS. Named after the first African American Rhodes Scholar, the collection aims to focus on research monographs in the areas of African American history, politics, biography and culture, alongside notable gaps in material not produced by commercial publishers.
The Bodleian is committed to providing students and researchers with world class access to resources to enable them to fulfil their scholarly ambitions. We are therefore hugely grateful to the AARS for pledging a gift of $25,000 over five years supporting the Alain Locke Collection. This supports our intention for the VHL to become a leading centre for the study of African American history, politics, and culture.
The establishment of the Alain Locke Collection will allow the VHL to expand the purchase of African American focused research monographs, without affecting expenditure on other research areas. It will build on the VHL’s current holdings and run alongside the continued intake of research monographs via the legal deposit agreements and e-book packages. It will allow the VHL to identify and address potential gaps in some of the older materials. Most significantly, it will demonstrate our commitment to representing African American history and culture within our collections.
Current students and researchers can recommend titles to be purchased for the Alain Locke Collection by contacting the Vere Harmsworth Librarian (bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).
If you have any further questions about the Alain Locke Collection, or the display, please contact Bethan Davies. To find out more about supporting the Vere Harmsworth Library and the Alain Locke collection please contact the Vere Harmsworth Library (vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).
Our latest book display presents a range of books from our collections which explore how the consumption and production of food in the US interact with various social and political issues, today and throughout history.
The library team has also suggested a range of online resources for those interested in delving deeper into food studies. The Food and Foodways Web Archive is a selection of food-related websites archived by the Library of Congress. Civil Eats is a news site covering the politics of the American food system, with an emphasis on social justice and sustainability. The Conrad N. Hilton Library lists a range of open access digital collections on food history, with a focus on historical menus, recipes and cookery books, and the UC Berkley library suggests a broad range of online archives and collections relating to diverse aspects of food studies.
The book display can be found on the ground floor of the Vere Harmsworth Library by the comfy chairs towards the back of the room. Books are labelled as loanable or for library use only, and links to ebooks are given where the Bodleian has ebook access.
If you have any questions about working in the Vere Harmsworth Library, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.
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