An Overview of Axel Oxenstierna’s Correspondence in the National Library of Russia in St. Petersburg

Abstract

This article discusses the contents of a collection formerly owned by Axel Oxenstierna (1583–1654) and now held by the National Library of Russia (St. Petersburg). This archive of the Chancellor of Sweden is particularly rich in diplomatic material as Oxenstierna led that country’s foreign policy during the final phase of the Thirty Years War (1618–1648). The context of this collection, the historical value of these documents, and a list of all the Chancellor’s correspondents, as well as of his own autographs are documented in this article.