These subject guides will help you to research selected subjects. They do not cover every subject, or everything the British Library has.
To find material relevant to your research, please search our main catalogue Explore the British Library or our specialist catalogues.
Maps
The British Library collection of maps, plans and views is one of the largest in the world, numbering some 4.5 million
Medieval and early modern Britain
British historical and literary manuscripts, 600–1600
Middle East
Manuscripts, printed books, newspapers and journals from the Middle East, Iran and Central Asia
Modern British history
British history from 1600 to the present
Music
The British Library has a world-famous collection of music
National and international government publications
Print and online documentation from governments worldwide
News media
You’ll find British and overseas newspapers dating back to the 1600s and we have growing collections of radio, television and web news
Oral history
Interviews on a wide range of subjects relating to British life and experience
Philately
Stamps and postal history items from around the world
Printed books
Printed material in a range of formats for current researchers and future generations
Romance
Our collections in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Modern Greek cover a broad range of subjects
Science
Our resources support the needs of specialists working in academia and business, and can support multidisciplinary research interests.
Slavonic studies
Resources for the study of Slavonic countries past and present
Social sciences
Research resources on politics, economics, law, sociology and other subjects.
Sound
Sound and video recordings from all over the world
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