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.
From America's West Coast...
Item #643209
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, January, 1743 Two full pages are taken up with charts headed: "Ships Taken by the Spaniards from Jan. 20, 1742 to Jan. 20, 1743" (see photos for portions).
Among other articles within this issue are:
* "On the Shameful Management of the War, & the Reason of it."
* "Method to Prevent Smuggling of Tea"
... See More
Among other articles within this issue are:
* "On the Shameful Management of the War, & the Reason of it."
* "Method to Prevent Smuggling of Tea"
Early reports from Charleston, South Carolina...
Item #643202
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1742* 18th century British magazine
* early reports (2) from Charleston, South Carolina
There is a full page of text on an: "Extract of a Letter from Mr. John Smith on board the Success Frigate...dated at Charles-Town [Charleston] in S. Carolina" with some good reading (see photos for portions).
Among other items in th... See More
View of the Northern Coast of Russia...
Item #643201
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1749
* Illustration of the Northern Coast of Russia
Perhaps the best feature in this issue is the article: "...Discoveries of the Russians on the N.E. Coast of Asia", with accompanying view shown at the top of an included plate/print (see images).
Among the other interesting items are: "A Description of the Province
... See More
* Illustration of the Northern Coast of Russia
Perhaps the best feature in this issue is the article: "...Discoveries of the Russians on the N.E. Coast of Asia", with accompanying view shown at the top of an included plate/print (see images).
Among the other interesting items are: "A Description of the Province
News from America...
Item #643200
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1786 One of the articles is: "Circumstances Relative to the Discovery of Henry I's Bones". A wide range of other articles as well.Near the back is "American Intelligence" which includes: "An act was passed on the 11th of March...authorising the delegates of the province of South Carolina...to subscribe & ratify an ... See More
General Murray on retiring from Quebec...
Item #643124
September 1, 1766
THE SCOTS MAGAZINE, Edinburgh, Scotland, September, 1766 Although formatted much like the more common "Gentleman's Magazine" this is a much more scarce title.
News under: "British North America" includes an address from the Council in Quebec to Governor James Murray on his retirement from that position, with his response to the Council. Further on are more letters to... See More
Many period, handwritten notations on this early Dutch issue...
Item #643081
OOPRECHTE HAERLEMSE SATURDAEGSE COURANT, Haarlem, The Netherlands. No date is visible, however this issue has many period, handwritten notes including the date "1729" in the upper right. Plus there is text or an ad on the bkpg. which includes a date of December 2, 1729.Complete as a single sheet with the imprint at the bottom of the bkpg., 7 1/2 by 12 inches, good condition.... See More
First of this Dutch title we have offered...
Item #643080
February 10, 1752
HAERLEMSE COURANT, Haarlem, The Netherlands, 1752
* Rare title
No month or day noted but this is issue #6 for the year of this weekly, so likely early-mid February. A single sheet jammed with news items, so much so that margins are used for text printed vertically on both sides (see).
Measures 8 1/2 by 13 1/3 inches, nice coat-of-arms in the masthead, totally in the Dutch language, minor fo... See More
Convicts being sent to the American plantations...
Item #643078
September 7, 1725
THE WHITEHALL EVENING-POST, London, Sept. 7, 1725
* Rare 18th century title
* Convicts to America
This is the earliest issue of this title we have offered. The front page has a nice item: "Yesterday in the evening four young follows, order's for transportation, were brought from Reading jail to Newgate, in order to be sent with the next convicts to the American Plantations.&... See More
World's first daily newspaper...
Item #643070
January 4, 1718
THE DAILY COURANT, London, Jan. 4, 1718 This was the world's first successful daily newspaper, and is a landmark issue for any newspaper collection as such, having begun in 1702. As would be imagined the issue is almost entirely taken up with various European reports, with half of the back page taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper measuring 7 by 13 1/4 inch... See More
World's first daily newspaper...
Item #643067
January 4, 1718
THE DAILY COURANT, London, Jan. 4, 1718
* Rare 18th century title
This was the world's first successful daily newspaper, and is a landmark issue for any newspaper collection as such having begun in 1702. As would be imagined the issue is almost entirely taken up with various European reports, with half of the back page taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet newsp... See More
Handsome and early newspaper...
Item #643065
May 14, 1715
THE POST-MAN, London, May 14, 1715
* Rare & early 18th century issue
* Nice masthead engravings
Quite similar in format to the 'Post-Boy' which we offer, but a much more scarce title. Two nice engravings in the masthead. The front page has various news items with datelines from Genoa, Brussels, Plymouth and the Hague & elsewhere, while the back page is taken up entirel... See More
A very rare & handsome title...
Item #643062
March 13, 1729
STAMFORD MERCURY, England, March 13, 1729
* Rare 18th century title
The full title also includes: "Being Historical and Political Observations on the Transactions of Europe, Together With Remarks on Trade." A very rare title, and not held by any American institution. It underwent a number of name changes, existing throughout at least 1794, the year issues of which are held by... See More
Famous British title from the 1730's...
Item #643049
December 18, 1739
THE LONDON EVENING-POST, England, Dec. 18, 1739 An early issue of this rather famous British title. Various news items from Europe, mostly from the United Kingdom. A wealth of ads as well.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, archivally rejoined at the spine, 10 1/2 by 13 inches, nice condition.
Book by Ben Franklin reviewed... Fort Stanwix...
Item #643048
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1779 * Ben Franklin's book is reviewed (brief)
* Fort Stanwix report
* Captain Cook's ships observed?
Near the back is a review of a book titled: "Political, Miscellaneous, & Philosophical Pieces, Written by Benjamin Franklin..." (see).
Some talk of "American News" near the back, with mention that: "... See More
John Hancock resigns as President of Congress...
Item #643047
August 1, 1786
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1786 Included is a: "Topographical Description of Hastings in Sussex", England, which also includes a nice foldout plate; "Jew's Harp"; much on the: "Summary of Proceedings in the Third Session of Parliament"; and so much more. News the back is almost a full page of reports headed: "American News". Amon... See More
Sewall & the churches in New England... The Jacobite Rebellion...
Item #643046
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1746 Nine pages at the beginning of the issue are taken up with reports on events in Parliament under the guise of: "Proceedings & Debates in the Senate of Lilliput" as direct reporting on Parliamentary events was prohibited.
Three pages are taken up with a lengthy list of: "Ships Taken from the French & Spaniards&q
... See More
Three pages are taken up with a lengthy list of: "Ships Taken from the French & Spaniards&q
Battle of Princeton... On Washington's crossing of the Delaware...
Item #643018
February 28, 1777
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb. 28, 1777
* Battle of Princeton - New Jersey
* George Washington crossing the Delaware
* American Revolutionary War
Inside has: "Advices From America" has very nice content, beginning: "Many thousands from the province of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut & Penna. have already come in & claimed the benefit of the la... See More
Short-lived newspaper with an interesting title...
Item #643017
August 6, 1708
THE BRITISH APOLLO, OR CURIOUS AMUSEMENTS FOR THE INGENIOUS and subtitled: "To Which are Added the Most Material Occurrences Foreign and Domestick". Published in London, and "Perform'd by a Society of Gentlemen" as noted in the masthead, the date is August 6, 1708.
This newspaper existed for less than 4 years. Readers were invited to send in questions on any subject whatso... See More
Unusual, short-lived newspaper...
Item #643016
January 8, 1710
THE VISIONS OF SIR HEISTER RYLEY: WITH OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, London, January 8, 1710 Sir Heister Ryley, the fictitious editor of the Visions of Sir Heister Ryley, is a man interested in all fields of learning, a "stickler in the business of truth" and absolutely adverse to siding with any political party. His little newspaper was a 4 page serial. It contained essays, letters and mi... See More
"Harry the EIghth" Playing Cards...
John Adams script signatures... Trenton the federal capital...
Item #643002
October 19, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 19, 1799
* Two President John Adams script signatures
* Nice ad for King Harry the Eighth Playing Cards
* Trenton, New Jersey serves as Federal Capital
* Moses Gill proclamation and script signature
The front page features two Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: John Adams. One is a conclusion from a previous issue for ... See More
Early ad for playing cards... Runaway indented apprentice...
Item #642999
November 20, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, November 20, 1799
* Very early playing cards
* Backgammon boards
The back page includes many ads, two of which are very early ads for "Playing Cards", being Henry the Eighth, Columbian brand cards and backgammon boards. A few other particulars as noted in the ads (see photos).
News of the day. Complete in 4 pages, a little spine we
... See More
* Very early playing cards
* Backgammon boards
The back page includes many ads, two of which are very early ads for "Playing Cards", being Henry the Eighth, Columbian brand cards and backgammon boards. A few other particulars as noted in the ads (see photos).
News of the day. Complete in 4 pages, a little spine we
A handsome newspaper... grave digger arrested...
Item #642933
April 1, 1718
THE POST BOY, London, April 1, 1718 A handsome issue with the two nice, detailed engravings in the masthead. The backpage contains an article "On Saturday Night the Assizes ended at Kingston, where 15 Persons received Sentence of Death... The Grave-Digger of S. Saviours, who was convicted of stealing dead Bodies out of their Graves, was fined 40 s. and two Years Imprisonment..."
T... See More
The notorious pirate Captain Kidd is executed !
Item #642908
May 26, 1701
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 22-26, 1701
* Famous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & very rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and most sought aft
... See More
* Famous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & very rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and most sought aft
A handsome newspaper... ships sailing to America...
Item #642863
January 1, 1718
THE POST BOY, London, January 1, 1718 A handsome issue with the two nice, detailed engravings in the masthead. The front page contains an article from Madrid pertaining to the current health condition of the King and that he had also just celebrated his 36th birthday.
Reports from Dartmouth provides information of ships Friendship, Mary, Partridge and Amity which had sailed to or from Ameri... See More
Nice item on Sir Christopher Wren...
Item #642857
September 8, 1716
THE POST BOY, Sept. 8, 1716
* Sir Christopher Wren replaced
* Displayable masthead
Near the top of the back page is a very significant item on the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren. The report reads: "Christopher Wren, Esq., is removed from being Clerk of his Majesty's Works, and is succeeded by John Mercer Esq., formerly belonging to Mr. How's Office, as pay-master o... See More
Washington celebrated in Philadelphia en-route to his inauguration...
Item #642843
June 1, 1789
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1789
* George Washington as president-elect
* En route to inauguration - Philadelphia
The best content is news headed: "America" which reports from Philadelphia: "...his Excellency George Washington, the President Elect of the United States, arrived in this city...His Excellency rode o horseback in front of the procession. The nu... See More
Address of the governor of Massachusetts...
Item #642805
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1768 * Sir Francis Bernard, 1st Baronet
The prime feature is: "A Letter from the Earl of Shelburne to his Excellency Governor Barnard" of Massachusetts, which is followed by a piece prefaced with: "The General Assembly of Massachusetts Bay having treated the above letter with great freedom, Governor Bernard put an end to the Ses... See More
Trouble with the Indians in America...
Item #642793
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1763 The issue begins with: "Two Proposals for Establishing a Lasting Peace & Friendship with the Indians in North America" which takes over 1 1/2 pages.Other articles include: "Account of the Discovery & Conquest of Siberia"; a letter: "To Peter Collinson, Esq., from the Rev. Jared Eliot at Killingsworth in ... See More
A map of the Rhine River... Cape Breton...
Item #642773
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1758 The prime feature is the full page plate titled: "A Map of the Rhine Between Wesel & Dusseldorph [Dusseldorf]...".One of the articles: "The Best Way of Constructing the Arches of Bridges" includes a nice print of a bridge arch. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has various news events of the day,... See More
Ben Franklin mention...
Item #642745
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1750 The most noteworthy feature is the article: "Curious Experiments in Electricity" takes a full page & includes a footnote reading: "In an account of some experiments made in America by Mr. B. Franklin now in the press) we find a yet more surprising hole made thro' a quire of paper.".
An unrelated but interes
... See More
An unrelated but interes
Reward for capturing privateers off Cape Henlopen and Long Island... Battle at Fontenoy...
Item #642723
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, June, 1745 There is a half page headed: "Plantation News" with reports from Boston, New York, and Jamaica. The New York report notes offer of a reward: "...to all privateers who shall take or destroy any enemy's privateer on their coast between Cape Henlopen and the east end of Long Island...".
Among many articles in
... See More
Among many articles in
The Northwest Passage to China thru Canada...
Item #642720
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1742 There is a nice article on finding a Northwest passage to China which reports on explorations through the northern regions of present-day Canada. It includes a letter datelined: "From on Board his Majesty's Ship the Furnace, in Churchill River, North America, June 21, 1742". Another interesting article has: "Extract o
... See More
Map of Italy... Comets...
Item #642719
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1742 Perhaps the best item in this issue is the very nice full page: "Map of Italy" which shows the various borders of the states at that time, including Tuscany, Naples, Ecclesiastical State, Milan, Savoy, Venice, and more (see). Also included with the maps are Corsica, Sardinia, a portion of Sicily, as well as portions of France (in
... See More
Merlin "The Magician"... Thoughts on slavery and oppresion...
Item #642695
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1735 This issue contains a number of items related to Merlin: "An Account of Merlin & his Cave..." which is a poem, "A Prophesy of Merlin 500 Years Ago, Interpreted", and "Of Merlin's Death..." (see). Another interesting item is: "Against Slavery & Oppression".One of the intriguing aspects o... See More
Barton Booth's obituary...
Report from the American colonies... Lord Baltimore...
Item #642689
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1733* The death report of Barton Booth
* Poem (extracts) written by Lord Baltimore
* Value of crops in the American colonies
Probably the most notable item is the obituary of Barton Booth (page 269), one of the most celebrated dramatic actors of the early-mid 1700's.
Another interesting article has: "Extracts of a Poem to Lord Baltimo... See More
1790 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...
Item #642671
June 7, 1790
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 7, 1790
* Early United States Congress
Page 3 has a lengthy letter concerning the character of America & the new federal government (see). There are also reports from the "House of Representatives of the United States".
Four pages, a few small archival mends at inside margins, nice condition.... See More
Patriotic plea by John Dickinson... John Hancock & his troubles...
Item #642654
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1769 Contents include: "A New Voyage to the West Indies, Giving an Account of the various Nations that dwell near the great river Mississippi, ..." which is extremely descriptive of the western lands of America and the native American Indians in the area (see for portions) and taking over 4 pages; "...Letter from General Paoli to ... See More
Pay set for the President and Vice President...
Item #642646
October 24, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Oct. 24, 1789
* Salaries for president & V.P. set
* George Washington & John Adams
* Early United States government
Pages 2 & 3 contain an address: "To George Washington, President of the United States of America" from the Governor of Connecticut, upon Washington's visit to the state, to which he responded with an addr... See More
Taxing American colonists... fear of impact...
Item #642640
May 7, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 7, 1767
* America taxation question
Page 8 has a brief but interesting report from London which says in part: "We are not without fear lest the measures taken for the establishment of a tax in America, should give rise to new troubles in most of our colonies", plus more. Page 6 also has a short item headed "America" with shipping r... See More
From France...
Item #642632
November 28, 1788
AFFICHES DE DAUPHINE, ANNOUNCES, ETC, Nov. 28, 1788 This would appear to be a weekly newspaper done at (or near) Grenoble, France, with front page heads including (translated) "For Sale" and Reviews".
Six pages, wide margins, 8 1/2 by 10 1/2 inches, great condition.
Uncommon title with a nice masthead...
Item #642631
February 23, 1790
THE HERALD OF FREEDOM & THE FEDERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Feb. 23, 1790
* Rare 18th American title
* Early federal government era
One of the more unusual, and decorative, mastheads of the 18th century (see) which lasted less than 3 years from Sept., 1788 to July, 1791. Starting on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 are: "Proceedings in the Congress of the United States&qu... See More
Very early plastic surgery... Trial for the mutiny on the Bounty...
Item #642592
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1794 Included is a fascinating--and extremely early--account of what we would call plastic surgery, being a letter from the East Indies which notes in part: "...the following very curious, and, in Europe, I believe, unknown chirugical [archaic spelling of 'surgery'] operation which has long been practiced in India with success... See More
Captain Turpin turns pirate...
Item #642589
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1735 Near the back is a section headed: "Monthly Intelligencer" with news reports from various parts of England & Europe. One of the reports comes from South Carolina and includes: "Came advice from South Carolina that Capt. Turpin, his men & sloop were taken the 15th of February last by a Spaniard of ten guns...The Spaniards... See More
Newspaper with the famous Ben Franklin imprint, with good content as well...
Item #642537
January 3, 1765
PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, January 3, 1765
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (rare)
This is perhaps one of the most famous newspapers of the colonial era, almost entirely because it was printed by the partnership of Franklin & Hall as indicated by the imprint at the bottom of the back page which lists him by name, and identifies him as the Postmaster as well: "Printed by B... See More
Reports from the ending events of the Revolutionary War...
Item #642523
October 10, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, October 10, 1782
* Revolutionary War ending events
Page 3 begins with a report from "Richmond" which includes: "General Clarke who commanded at Savannah...was very careful in preventing the burning of the town, which some incendiaries had attempted at the evacuation & extended his care so far as to leave a guard behind until General Wayne ... See More
Captain James Cook in the South Pacific... Early balloon flights...
Item #642516
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1784 This periodical was the first ever to use the word "magazine" in its title.There is a nice article: "On the General Post Office & Postage of Letters" with a chart of the various rates and small engravings of cancellations & free postage, franking notations (see).
There is a nice letter concerning early hot air bal... See More
Trouble in America...
Item #642514
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1769 Among the articles in this issue are: "A Description of the Copper Mine at Ecton Hill"; over two pages on: "A Continuation of the Most Interesting transactions in America..." continued from the January issue, which has some great reading concerning the troubles between America & England, one portion noting: "Re... See More
Plate of the funeral of the Duke of York...
Item #642513
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1767 There is a nice & large foldout plate which shows the: "Funeral Process of the Duke of York" measuring 8 by 11 1/2 inches (see), and is accompanied by a detailed article. This is the only plate called for in this issue.Among the various articles within are: "Solution of Optical Phenomena" comes from a man in Phila... See More
Beautiful masthead... On the Battle of Eutaw Springs...
Item #642512
December 29, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 29, 1781
* Rare 18th century American title
* Great masthead engraving for display
I have always thought this newspaper has one of the finest masthead, featuring an uncommonly large engraving with an Indian and an angel on either side of the "Journal", plus a 3-masted ship & other embellis... See More
Mention of the capture of Montreal in the French & Indian War...
Item #642504
October 23, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 23, 1760 The top of the front page has an item headed: "America" with a report from St. Augustine, Florida, noting: "...they are so reduced for want of fresh meat there that the governor was obliged to kill some of the King's oxen at the celebration of the late coronation..." with more (see). The top of pg. 6 has: "America"... See More
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Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
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Phone: 1-570-326-1045
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
