Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.
Multiple reports from America...
"The Man of Forty Crowns"... a new Voltaire satire...
Item #652297
June 4, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, June 4, 1768 Multiple inside reports are from various locations throughout America, including a letter from Massachusetts Bay, and two articles from New York (see images for details). Also included are excerpts from Voltaire's new satire, "The Man of Forty Crowns," which is accompanied by a lengthy review which concludes: "This plausible discourse mad... See More
Major Rogers captured by Indians, then escapes...
Item #652296
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1768 Among the items in this issue are: "Unsuccessful Trial to Cure Canine Madness" "An Account of the Antiquities of Athens" "Dr. P's Discoveries Concerning the Rhinoceros Justified" "List of Members in the Present Parliament" which takes 8 pages. Also: "An Account of the Horned Viper of Egypt"... See More
Early report of the death of Ben Franklin, from a hometown magazine...
Item #652295
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1790 * Benjamin Franklin death (1st report)
* Early report from his hometown
Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly scarce in today's market. This title was published by the famed Isaiah Thomas, the patriot printer from the Revolutionary War & founder of the American Antiquarian Society.
Certainly the most not... See More
"The Slave" (anonymous), a poem from the slave state of Maryland...
Great description of America's first capitol building...
Item #652290
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, June, 1789 This is the 6th issue of this uncommon magazine by famed publisher Isaiah Thomas. When it comes to noteworthy content, it is hard to know where to begin.Starting from the back is the poem, "The Slave," (author anonymous) which is a thought-provoking anti-slavery poem printed in the slave-state of Maryland. Also interestin... See More
Death of Louis XVI's brother...
Item #652172
September 7, 1795
FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston, Sept. 7, 1795 Page 2 has a report: "The Death of the Dauphin" which mentions: "...will not, it is imagined make any difference in the affairs of France....the popularity of Monsieur the eldest brother of Louis the XVI. The fact is, there is not a man more universally detested thro' all France...".
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
The first Boon Island beacon...
Item #652037
September 7, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 7, 1799
* Very 1st Boon Island beacon
* President John Adams act
Most of the front page middle columns are taken up with three Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams (see). One is to erect a beacon on Boon Island. Wikipedia notes on its Boon Island page: "...In 1799 the first day marker and the station itself we... See More
Princess Charlotte of Mecklemberg & George III... Wedding & Coronation - details & prints...
Item #652022
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August & September, 1761 (a two issue set)The August issue has: details, songs, and plates related to the marriage and Coronation of William III and Charlotte, Princess Mecklemberg. Also included is a detailed historical account (taking nearly 8 pages) of the Coronation of King James II and Queen Mary, from 1685, which mentions their Coronation being u... See More
The Treaty of Utrecht (France and Portugal)...
Item #652006
THE POST-BOY, London, May 16, 1713 * Peace of Utrecht - treaty
* War of the Spanish Succession
This issue begins with: "The TREATY of Peace Between his Most Christian Majesty and his Royal Highness of SAVOY, Concluded at Utrecht, April 11, 1713.
This was one of the treaties of Utrecht. The Treaty of Utrecht was an historic agreement among various European powers, with France bei... See More
Colonial America, with a very displayable masthead...
Item #651968
December 19, 1771
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 19, 1771
* Rare Colonial Pennsylvania title
* Great masthead for display
This newspaper features one of the larger & more decorative masthead engravings to be found in a colonial America newspaper.
The ftpg. is taken up with reports from Europe as are most of pages 2 & 3. Some American items on page 3.&n... See More
Railing against the King of England...
Item #651957
May 30, 1771
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 30, 1771 This newspaper features one of the larger & more decorative masthead engravings to be found in a colonial America newspaper.
Page 3 begins with a letter "To the King" which is a very critical review of him, noting in part: "...Those groans, those hisses, and execrations with which your ... See More
Plate of King Louis XV... News from America...
Item #651836
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1774 This issue begins with the: "Memoirs of the Life of the Late King of France" which is accompanied by a full page plate of him: "Lewis XV, King of France and Navarre..." who died on May 10, 1774. Actually this plate is not called for in the title/contents page but is here because the article is, plus it is called for in the m... See More
Nice article on Louisiana...
Item #651835
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1761 An inside page has over a full column taking up with "Importance of Louisiana" seen in its entirety in the photos. The text includes: "...while the French remain possessed of Louisiana as its communication by sea is always open, the climate mild & the country inviting, they will always have it in their power to pour in me... See More
Legitimizing the infamous Stamp Act...
Item #651750
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1765 * The Stamp Act at it's beginning
* Legitimized by the British
Certainly the most notable content is the report: "By the act for laying a stamp duty on printed news papers, deeds, and parchments in America, the respective duties on each are the same as in Great Britain, the monies arising therefrom to be applied towards t... See More
Paul Revere as Masonic Grand Master...
Item #651728
December 23, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 23, 1797 The top of page 3 has a "Notice" concerning a meeting of the Masons, noted at the bottom: "By order of M. W. Paul Revere, Esq. G.M." who was the Grand Master of the Masons at that time (see).
Complete in four pages, nice condition.
Review of a pamphlet concerning taxing Americans...
Item #651724
June 10, 1766
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 10, 1766 Most of the front page is taken up with details of a pamphlet tiled: "Extract from Free & Candid Remarks on a Late Celebrated Oration, with some Few occasional Thoughts on the Late Commotions in America", relating to the issue of taxing the Americans (see for portions).
Page 6 has a curious item headed "America" datelined ... See More
"A Vigorous War, or Glorious Peace"...
Item #651723
December 16, 1746
THE DAILY GAZETTEER, OR LONDON ADVERTISER, England, December 16, 1746 The phrase: "A Vigorous War, or Glorious Peace" is boldly printed in the middle of the masthead (see photos). An interesting newspaper from this pivotal year of the Jacobite Rebellion, single sheet, with various news items on the front page and the back page mostly taken up with ads.
Folio-size, trimmed at the m... See More
America is in anarchy and confusion...
Item #651680
October 9, 1783
DREWRY'S DERBY MERCURY, England, Oct. 9, 1783
* Post Revolutionary War
* America in turmoil ?
The ftpg. has a letter from the Bay of Fundy in Canada concerning the arrival of Loyalists (see). Page 2 has a letter from New York which paints a dismal scenario there: "...There is in fact no government in this country, all is anarchy and confusion. The Congress have lost their inf... See More
The temper of Sir Isaac Newton...
Item #651670
July 25, 1798
THE WEEKLY REGISTER, London, July 25, 1798 The bottom of page 7 has an interesting item concerning: "The temper of Sir Isaac Newton..." (see).
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 12 1/2 inches, nice condition. Partial red tax stamp on the ftpg.
Pithy observations by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #651617
September 4, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759
* "Political Aphorisms...", by *Benjamin Franklin (?)
The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information). Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which ... See More
Mutiny on the Bounty... Captain William Bligh...
Item #651435
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1790 * Mutiny on the Bounty
* Captain William Bligh
Near the back of this issue is one of the more historic naval report of the 18th century, since romanticized by the famous movie, giving a fine account of the mutiny on board the ship Bounty. The report is headed: "Several Memorable Events have lately happened at Sea, which for their Si... See More
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #651434
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 * Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America." The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Huds... See More
Timely report of the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart...
Item #651432
December 1, 1791
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1791
* Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart death (1st report)
Presented inconspicuously among other death reports is a brief yet very notable report on the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, ending with a prophetic comment: "At Vienna, Wolfgang Mozart, the celebrated German composer. by his death the musical world will sustain an irreparable loss... See More
Admiral Nelson victorious at the Battle of the Nile...
Item #651431
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1799 * Lord Horatio Nelson victorious over Napoleon Bonaparte
* Battle of the Nile
The prime content in this issue is the excellent and detailed account of Sir Horatio Nelson's victory over French at the Battle of the Nile, or the Battle of Aboukir Bay. This is actually part of a very lengthy continuing article from a previous issue. Inc... See More
Flight of the King of France with his family...
Item #651299
September 3, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 3, 1791 The front page has: "Further Particulars of the Flight of the French King and Family--their capture, and subsequent conduct. This is followed by the: "Declaration of the Queen" which begins: "I declare, that the King being desirous of quitting Paris with his children, nothing in nature could have dissuaded me from following him...... See More
Several fine end-of-war reports...
Item #651297
December 30, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 30, 1783 Page 2 has several reports headed: "America" including a report that John Dickinson was elected President of the Pennsylvania Assembly, & more. Also: "...Before she sailed all the King's troops and refugees had evacuated New York & the Americans had taken possession of the same...what with the number of people brought th... See More
Quakers plead to Congress to liberate all slaves held in bondage...
Item #651292
December 25, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 25, 1783
* Early American slavery
Page has nearly a full column headed: "American News" which has a letter from Philadelphia concerning the slave trade. The letter, from the Quakers and addressed to Congress, is prefaced with: "The people called Quakers, in America, having been long impressed with a sense of the iniquity of the S... See More
Washington, Howe, and Burgoyne...
Item #651244
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1778 An inside page has a graphic depiction of a: "Plan of the Encampment of a Battalion of Six Companies of Infantry" with related text. An article debates on Burgoyne and the charge against him of: "...employing savages...ever esteemed the Indian alliances, at best, a necessary evil..." with more. Another page has "Gen. W... See More
Debate on the Maryland Constitution...
Item #651129
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1763 Over two pages within are taken up with: "Queries Relative to the Constitution of Maryland" which raises such questions as: "Does not the legislature of Maryland consist of three branches...?...Who composes the Upper House?...Does not the council consist of 12 members when complete?...Who sits as judges in the superior court... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #651050
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East", and more.The most significant co... See More
A letter from Ben Franklin...
Item #651044
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1789 of the "Gentleman's Magazine", London. This is the supplementary issue issued at the end of the year, with much of the content taken up with: "Parliamentary Proceedings of the Lords and Commons". Of special interest is a letter datelined from New York headed: "American Passport from Dr. Franklin for Captain Cook" which includes a... See More
Oswego in the French & Indian War... Judaica item...
Item #651014
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1756 Under the heading: "American News" is a report which includes: "...concerning Oswego still continue to be contradictory...the last letters from Albany say that the French had burnt the fort & put almost the whole garrison to the sword..." and mention that Col. Webb was sent to reinforce the place & foun... See More
First lottery in America... Electricity experiments...
Item #651009
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, April, 1745 A feature of this issue is a terrific, three page graphic representation of the: "Situation of his Majesty's Fleet & the Combined fleets of France and Spain in the Mediterranean...when Adm. Mathews made the Signal to engage the enemy..." showing the various positions of the ships (see photos). This is highly unus
... See More
Judaica content... Oglethorpe reports new towns created in Georgia...
Item #651008
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1737 Among the articles noted in the table of contents are: "Mr. Facio's Letter Concerning the Hebrew Accents" "An Instance of the Excellent Use of the Hebrew Accents" "Literal Translations of the Hebrew Code Ungrammatical, False, etc." "Hebrew Tenses not to be used Promiscuously" "Of Abraham... See More
James Oglethorpe & the Trustees of Georgia...
Item #651007
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1732 Near the back is the "Monthly Intelligencer" which includes a list of the: "Trustees Appointed for Establishing the New Colony in Georgia, Incorporated by a Charter now Passing" and which includes within the list: James Oglethorpe (see photos). There is also a brief item: "From South Carolina".The issue begins w... See More
Large front page engraving...
Item #650994
May 4, 1706
HISTORISCHE ANMERCSUNGEN, Germany, May 4, 1706
* Rare & early 18th century German periodical
A very unusual periodical as most of the front page is taken up with a very intricately engraved print. This issue contains 8 pages and is in the German language, measuring 6 3/4 by 8 inches, some light damp staining near the margins, nice condition. ... See More
First of this title we have offered...
Item #650952
July 14, 1793
GAZETTE DES PAYS-BAS, Brussels, Belgium, July 14, 1793
* Rare 18th century title
* Nice masthead
Title translates to "Netherlands Gazette", then: "With Privilege of His Majesty the Emperor and King." The coat-of-arms is of Leopold II of Austria. Totally in French as France occupied Belgium prior to this date, and then again from 1794 to 1814.
A four pages issue pl... See More
"Courier From the Lower Rhine"...
Item #650951
July 24, 1793
COURIER DU BAS-RHIN, July 24, 1793 This translates to "Courier From the Lower Rhine". Totally in French, this is the first of this title we have offered. Eight pages, 6 1/2 by 7 3/4 inches, very nice condition.
Washington supports the Alexandria Academy...
Item #650947
March 2, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, March 2, MDCCLXXXVI (1786) Inside has a report to Congress concerning "...the System of General Revenue recommended by Congress..." which takes close to two pages. The bkpg. has: "Amongst the respectable patrons of the Alexandria Academy, a new & promising institution, appears the name of the illustrious General Washing... See More
Blacks to have rights of citizenship in New York ? Washington to move to England?
Item #650942
July 23, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 23, 1785
* General George Washington
* To move his residence to England ?
* Post American Revolutionary War
Page 2 has a report from New York with some news from the Assembly of the state which includes: "...very warm debates also have taken place upon the question of admitting Blacks, Mulattoes, Mustees, Quadroons...the the rights of citizens... See More
Ornate masthead in this Dublin newspaper...
Item #650939
May 5, 1792
THE DUBLIN CHRONICLE, Ireland, May 5, 1792 Ornate lettering int he masthead of this uncommon title. Filled with news items from Europe, and discussion in the "House of Commons" on the: "Quebec Bill".
Eight pages, 9 1/4 by 12 inches, pgs. 3 & 4 close-trimmed at the bottom affects some words, otherwise good condition.
From Baltimore in 1795...
Item #650865
May 27, 1795
FEDERAL INTELLIGENCER & BALTIMORE DAILY GAZETTE, May 27, 1795
* Rare 18th century title from Maryland
The ftpg. is filled with ads, and page 2 has much from Europe. Page 3 has datelines from Philadelphia, New York, Salem, Portland, Lexington, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore.
Various "X" and numeric notations on ads as this was likely the editor's copy. Otherwise 4 pages, a... See More
Review of a book on the Revolutionary War... Map of Toulon
Item #650861
September 1, 1781
LONDON MAGAZINE, England, September, 1781 Under Review Of Books" is one for: "The Revolution of America", which begins: "A narrative of the origin and progress of the rupture between Great Britain and her colonies, written with extreme partiality to the colonists, condemning in every point of view the conduct of the British government & justifying France and Spa... See More
On the capture of St. Eustatius...
Item #650795
April 1, 1781
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1781 The back 2 pages have various correspondence concerning the capture of St. Eustatius, when the British seized the Dutch-owned island in the Caribbean.
Both plates called for are present (see).
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, a bit close-trimmed at the right margin of the title/contents page only, very nice condition.
Formatted very mu... See More
Capture of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean...
Item #650794
March 1, 1781
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, March, 1781
* Islands of the Caribbean
* Revolutionary War era
The back 3 pages have various correspondence concerning the capture of St. Eustatius, when the British seized the Dutch-owned island in the Caribbean.
The two plates called for are lacking.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, a bit close-trimmed at the right margin of the title/contents pag... See More
Great content on the "Pennsylvania Line Mutiny"...
Item #650793
February 1, 1781
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, February, 1781 The last 3 pages have nice reports & correspondences on what is known as the Pennsylvania Line Mutiny. This was a mutiny of continental army soldiers who demanded higher pay and better housing conditions. It ended with a negotiated settlement on January 8, 1781. The mutiny was the most successful and important insurrection of continental army sold... See More
A "newspaper" for commoners...
Item #650694
February 28, 1754
THE CONNOISSEUR "By Mr. Town [pseud.], Critic, and Censor-General", London, Feb. 28, 1754 A weekly paper which lasted about 2 1/2 years as a "commoner's" counterpart to "The World" (which we sell as well), a periodical of about the same time which dealt more with the interests of aristocrats.
James Boswell says in his "Life of Johnson", "...I... See More
On the coronation of King Louis XVI...
Item #650591
April 13, 1793
MASSACHUSETTS MERCURY, Boston, April 13, 1793 Most of the ftpg is a recollection of the: "Ceremony of Consecrating & Crowning the Late King of France" in 1775, given that he was beheaded recently. The prefacing note begins: "The transition from the throne to the scaffold has been short..." with some details in the following issue.
Four pages, 8 3/4 by 10 12 inches, a... See More
One of the less common 18th century American titles...
Item #650589
November 13, 1792
THE MARYLAND JOURNAL & BALTIMORE ADVERTISER, Nov. 13, 1792
* Rare 18th century title
* Slavery advertisements
Various political & other reports of the day including over half a column of: "Proceedings of Congress". The bkpg. has no fewer than 8 runaway reward ads plus one headed: two Hundred Likely Virginia-born SLAVES for SALE" with details (see).
Four pages, ... See More
The Treaty of Utrecht (France and Portugal)...
Item #650546
THE POST-BOY, London, a four issue lot with dates of June 4, 6, 9, & 13, 1713This four-issue set contains the entire Treaty between France and Portugal, which was conducted at Utrecht (see images for details).
Background: The Treaty of Utrecht was an historic agreement among various European powers, with France being the common party within the various agreements, concluded April 11,1713 at... See More
The war as fought in the Caribbean...
Item #650534
March 1, 1780
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, March, 1780 Near the back is: "American Intelligence" which contains various reports & letters concerning naval events in the Caribbean relating to the Revolutionary War.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, nearly close-trimmed at the right margin of the title/contents page only, very nice condition. Lacking the plates called for.
Formatted ve... See More
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