As a writer of historical fiction, I am always looking for
resources to improve the accuracy of the environment inhabited by my
characters. The more details that I can include, the more immersive the world
feels to my readers.
During my search for descriptions of British Regency
fashion, I read that prolific author Georgette Heyer often referred to her
collection of ‘Ackermann’s Repository’. However, an intact copy of this regency
periodical is difficult to find and expensive. Single fashion prints sometimes
appear on eBay, but this is not enough for a comprehensive study.
Half Dress, January 1812
With the advent of the internet, it’s much easier to track
down unusual resources. Many organizations and libraries are scanning copyright
free works, and placing them online. One of the best places to find these
documents is the Internet Archive ( http://archive.org ), a non-profit digital
library of cultural artifacts.
Thanks to the Philadelphia Museum of Art Library and support
from the Lyrasis Members and Sloan Foundation, every single issue of Ackermann’s
Repository from 1809 - 1829 is available for free download at the Internet
Archive. Unfortunately, the archive is frustrating to navigate. To make
research easier, I created an organized list with direct links to each issue of
Ackermann’s Repository at the Internet Archive.
Morning Dress, 1813
I am delighted to share this resource from my blog (
http://pasaii.com/where-to-download-ackermanns-repository/ ) with the readers
of Number One London. I hope that it helps many more writers and passionate
researchers of this amazing period of British history.
