Political, miscellaneous, and philosophical pieces: arranged under the following heads, and distinguished by initial letters in each leaf: <G. P.> General politics: <A. B. T.> American politics before the troubles: <A. D. T.> American politics during the troubles: <P. P.> Provincial or colony politics: and <M. P.> Miscellaneous and philosophical pieces: written by Benj. Franklin, now first collected, with explanatory plates, notes, and an index to the whole...

After nearly 60 years of collecting, Sid Lapidus ’59 has presented to the Library more than 2700 volumes representing the fruits of his enthusiasm. Broadly conceived, the collection charts the definition and re-definiton of rights and liberties endemic to Western political traditions. The main focus is texts and documents relating to the American Revolution, its run-up dating back to the Commonwealth men, and coming down to documents of the early Federal government.