Search within this document:
Want to learn more?
- Do you have a question about this collection?
- Would you like to view the original items in this collection?
- Are you seeking permission to publish or reproduce items in this
collection?
Please contact the holding repository:
Lilly Library, IU Bloomington
Email:
liblilly@indiana.edu
Vidocq mss., 1833-1847
Summary Information
Repository
Lilly Library (Indiana University, Bloomington)
Lilly Library
Indiana University
1200 E. Seventh St.
Bloomington, IN 47405-5500
Phone: 812-855-2452
Fax: 812-855-3143
Email: liblilly@indiana.edu
Creator
Vidocq, Eugène François,
1775-1857
TitleVidocq mss., 1833-1847
Collection No.
LMC 2045
Extent
62 items
Language
Materials are in French.
Abstract
Consists of the correspondence and
documents of French police officer Eugène François Vidocq, who founded the first
private detective agency in 1832 in Paris. The collection concerns the business of
this agency, including bills for services rendered and reports by Vidocq to his
clients. Most of the correspondence pertains to cases involving finding debtors and
persuading them to settle their obligations.
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research.
Biographical Note
Eugène François Vidocq (1775-1857) was a French police officer who founded the first
private detective agency in 1832 in Paris.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
A collection of 62 documents, mostly correspondence, all dealing with the business of
his agency during the period of 1833-1847. During this period of time a lion's share
of his work appears to have been in finding and then persuading reluctant debtors
to settle their obligations. That aspect is clearly reflected in the agency's
correspondence which includes 14 letters signed by Vidocq. The collection consists
of letters from clients with assignments for Vidocq, his inquiries to police and
other officials all over France and abroad (Berne, for example), their replies,
Vidocq's reports to clients, often with advice on how to proceed in difficult
situations, followed by dunning letters, responses to them, and finally, bills to
clients.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
Acquired: 1990
Usage RestrictionsPrior arrangements are not necessary before coming to the Library, however,
patrons from out of town are encouraged to communicate with the Library in
advance of their visits to ascertain availability of materials.
Photocopying permitted only with permission of the Curator of Manuscripts, Lilly
Library.
Preferred Citation
[Item], Vidocq mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Vidocq mss., 1833-1847
Folder 1
Collection
