Theft at Widener

French historical materials dating from the late 18th century have been reported stolen from Harvard’s Widener Library. Harvard College Library officials suspected theft when a number of empty book covers were discovered in the Widener stacks on Thursday, April 19. A subsequent inventory conducted by library staff confirmed that a total of 46 items including pamphlets, journals, and books from the French Revolution and Napoleonic periods, valued at approximately $10,000, were missing. The Harvard University Police Department is investigating the case and is working with library officials to gather information for the involvement of other law enforcement agencies. Book dealers, research libraries, and dealers specializing in French antiquities have been notified.