European Economic History & Philosophy

Kress Collection of Business and Economics

The Kress Collection is recognized as one of the largest collections of books, serials, pamphlets, broadsides, manuscripts, and prints in the world about business and economics. Researchers will find the classics of economic thought and works that reflect economic life from 1472 to 1850.

The collection originated with Herbert Somerton Foxwell, lecturer and teacher of political economy at St. John's College, Cambridge, and at University College, London, and a book collector of economic literature. Foxwell’s first collection of books was purchased in 1901 by The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, who donated it to the University of London. His second collection, acquired after his death by the Harvard Business School through a monetary donation made by Claude Washington Kress, formed the basis of the Kress Library of Business and Economics.

In addition to Foxwell’s second collection, Special Collections & Archives has the H.S. Foxwell papers, chiefly incoming correspondence, the bulk of which dates from 1898 to 1899; outgoing letters, writings, memorials and obituaries, and photographs.

Highlights

  • A sepia toned illustration of a group of men in long coats and powdered wigs riding or standing before a wooden carousel while statues atop the carousel’s pillars drop papers down upon them. Text reads “DesWaerelds doen en doolen. Is maar een MALLEMOOLEN.”

    South Sea Bubble - Bancroft Collection

    The foundation of the South Sea Bubble Collection held in Baker Library. It consists of books, pamphlets, manuscripts, Parliamentary acts, engravings, broadsides, plays, ballads, and assorted ephemera.

  • Detail of Adam Smith letter displaying his signature

    Adam Smith - Vanderblue Collection

    One of the most comprehensive collections of the works of Adam Smith in many translations and editions, including The Wealth of Nations, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, collected works, and miscellaneous writings.

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Researchers working at multiple tables in reading room
Man pointing to book bound in parchment