This volume investigates the location and accessibility of primary manuscript materials concerning the history of Latin America and the Caribbean held within archives and libraries across the British Isles. Peter Walne, a distinguished archivist, compiles this comprehensive reference to bridge the gap between researchers and dispersed historical records. The work provides a systematic framework for identifying documents that detail colonial administration, trade, and diplomatic relations between Britain and the Americas. By organizing these sources geographically and institutionally, the author facilitates scholarly access to previously fragmented historical data.

Historians and archivists frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for any serious study of colonial Latin American history. The text is noted for its meticulous organization and remains a standard tool for researchers navigating the complexities of British archival holdings.