Miscellaneous Pamphlets
The American Antiquarian Society holds approximately 35,000
miscellaneous, uncataloged pamphlets published between 1841 and
1876. The importance of the pamphlet medium in nineteenth-century
America may be overlooked by scholars, even though in fact,
pamphlets frequently generated an instant response to
governmental, political, educational,
religious, and social affairs and events. The controversial issues
and debates presented through pamphlets of that era reflect the
extraordinary range, competence, and eccentricity of the authors,
ranging from the very famous to the most obscure.
An estimated 15 percent of these publications are found to be
unrecorded in the National Union Catalog: Pre-1956
Imprints. Other items appear to be among only a handful or fewer
surviving copies. The wide range of subject matter includes lectures,
reports, essays, speeches, and treatises on education, social
conditions, morals, politics, government, labor, industry, canals,
railroads, agriculture, health and medicine, religion and theology,
prison reform and management, temperance, and women's rights. The
largest category appears to be sermons of all descriptions. Other
significant genres include Fourth of July orations, congressional
speeches, spiritualist messages, poetry, and collegiate lectures
and inaugural addresses.
The collection also contains a large number of uncataloged
offprints of modern historical articles and other twentieth-century
pamphlet material.
The collection is stored in acid-free boxes and arranged
alphabetically
by author, or chronologically for those lacking a
personal author. Unfortunately, there is no subject access to
these materials. However, those conducting research about a
particular educator, politician, scientist, reformer, theologian,
or other author may uncover a number of previously unknown
publications by that individual.
- Carol R. Kanis, Cataloger; Carolyn A. Allen, former Acquisitions
Administrator; updated by Alan N. Degutis, Head of Cataloging
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For current information on the cataloging status of this and
other AAS collections, choose "Collection Access" below.
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