Collection guides
Discover our collection in more detail with subject guides
Collection guides
The Library holds over 225 years of books in the arts and humanities covering a broad range of subjects, from history, literature, biography and art to philosophy and religion. Search our collection guides for more detail on the subjects that matter to you and use them to help you navigate the Library's shelves.
History
A guide to the biography collections
The Biography collection covers all biographical and autobiographical works covering individuals, families or collectives and includes diaries, journals, correspondence and speeches.
Literature
A guide to the food and drink collections
The Library’s collection of books covering food and wine is extensive.
History
Art collections
The Library's books on fine and applied art are housed in the Art Room, up the short flight of steps leading from the main Issue Hall.
Literature
Economics and finance collections
The initial selection of books on political economy for the Library in the 1840s fell to John Stuart Mill.
Literature
Fashion and dress collections
The London Library has a vast array of books, periodical, journals and online resources that can help support research in Fashion, Costume and Textiles.
Literature
Folklore, mythology and fantasy collections
From their original sources in human belief and imagination, the subjects of folklore, mythology and fantasy have found expression in many of the branches of the Arts and Humanities.
History
History Collection Guide
A guide to The London Library's History collection: what it covers, how it is arranged, and where to find it in the building.
Literature
Jewish collections
A remarkable collection of Judaica, which continues to grow every year and includes material across several subject areas.
History
Military History collections
The Library’s collection is divided into broad subject areas (e.g. History, Literature, and Topography) and then into smaller areas, arranged alphabetically.
Newspaper
Newspaper Collections
A guide to The London Library's newspaper collections, in print and online, including our holdings of The Times.
History
Philosophy Collections
The Library’s philosophy collection consists of over 20,000 volumes covering a wide variety of topics in the field.
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Explore The London Library catalogue to discover one million volumes and thousands of online resources to support your reading and research.
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