This bibliography has been separated into three sections: English Language, French Language and Primary Sources. A selection of the most notable primary sources is included, usually in modern edition publications, along with any special format collections (such as Revolutionary newspapers). Many of these original documents are held in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division but we encourage the use of the modern editions, available in our general collections, to reduce the wear on delicate materials. To locate periodicals on the French Revolution search the Library's catalog: France--History--Revolution, 1789-1799--Periodicals. Most of the Library's databases are reserved for onsite only access, however if a research visit is possible, there are relevant articles in a variety of languages available. For further reading on France's colonial territories and related revolutionary movements see the series France overseas: studies in empire and decolonization. For individual biographies, memoirs, correspondences and other publications, first identify the subject heading for the individual. More well-documented individuals will have more involved subject headings that narrow down the focus, e.g. the name and a further category such as--Correspondence (followed by the number of items held in the Library). The primary subject heading followed by a brief select bibliography of items relating to some of the more significant individuals are located under Key Figures in the Revolution. Because the French Revolution of 1789 is one of the most documented events in the history of the world, this bibliography is only a starting point for further exploration into the role of women during the Revolution. The bibliographies in each monograph are also excellent. Title translations [provided in brackets] are unofficial. Where digital copies are available, they are listed under the Digital Resources page of the Guide. Some titles are cross referenced in other sections of the guide. Because of the ongoing nature of digitization it is always worth searching online for digital copies that may have become available after this guide was compiled.
For information on the French Revolution in general, see the summary and bibliography Revolutions in France: 1789, 1830 and 1832.
The following titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.