Title
Records of the Imperial Libraries under Napoléon Bonaparte.
Date
1805-1811
Description
This extraordinary collection of manuscripts offers a unique and nearly comprehensive summary of Napoléon's activities as a book collector, as well as a fascinating insight into the mechanics of running an important part of the imperial household during the period. The 300 items in the collection include inventories and shelf lists (many priced) of books in the various satellite libraries of Napoléon in St. Cloud, Fontainebleau, Malmaison, etc.; invoices and correspondence concerning the purchase of books, binding of books by Bozerian, Martin, Bizouard, and others; letters of agreement and other official documents relating to A.-A. Barbier's role in administering the libraries; and statements of expenditure relating to the physical upkeep of these libraries, including lighting and heating, shipping of books between Paris and the satellite libraries, and building repairs.
Source
Purchased in 2008 with the generous support of the Florence Gould Foundation.