Historic Newspapers: Newspapers that shaped the world...

Dutch newsletter/pamphlet from Amsterdam, August, 1632  

* Very rare 17th century publication
* Siege - capture of Maastricht
* Dutch journalist & printer Broer Jansz

A very rare news pamphlet by the famed early Broer Jansz, one of the most prolific newsmen of the 17th century. Included with this item is an extensive biography of him and his work.
Included also is a translation of this 4 page pamphlet, headed: "Triumphante Tijdinghe" [Triumphant News] with the translation continuing:…

THE SWEDISH INTELLIGENCER, "The Third Part" as well as: "The Fourth Part", London, 1633  

* Very rare 17th century periodical
* Publisher Nathaniel Butter

A very rare newsbook by the famed publishing team of Nathaniel Butter and Nicholas Bourne who are credited with being the founders of the English language periodical format, having published: "The Continuation of Our Weekly News" in 1624, taken from like-publishers in Germany & Amsterdam.
This title, item #847 in Crane & Kaye's "Census Of…

GAZETTE, Paris, France, Sept. 10, 1639  (date is in the imprint at the bottom of the back page).

* Earliest of newspapers to be had

This extremely early newspaper is filled with news reports with datelines from throughout Europe, including Rome, Frankfort, Cologne & elsewhere. There are no advertisements.
This was the very first regular newspaper published in France, started in 1631 by Théophraste Renaudot but with influential backing by the powerful Cardinal de Richelieu. All the text…

GAZETTE, Paris, France, February 23, 1641  (date is in the imprint at the bottom of the back page).

* Earliest of newspapers to be had

This extremely early newspaper is filled with news reports with datelines from throughout Europe, including Naples, Rome, Nuremberg, Frankfort, Amsterdam, Cologne, with the back two pages containing reports from France. There are no advertisements.
This was the very first regular newspaper published in France, started in 1631 by Théophraste Renaudot but…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, Jan. 25, 1665 (1666 by today's calendar).

* Extremely early & RARE publication
* Rise of the self-proclaimed messiah Sabbatai Zev
* Jewish - Jews - Judaica 

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world.
Because of the Plague ravaging Europe at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, February 1, 1665 (1666 by today's calendar) - issue #23 (the last issue before becoming the London Gazette) 

* One of the earliest & rarest of newspapers to be had

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. Because of the Plague at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, March 8, 1665 (1666 in today's calendar)  

* Very rare 17th century Jewish prophet mention

The back page has a report from Vienna noting in part: "The Jews in this city have made a publick jubilee, with great expressions of joy, upon the news they have brought them, of the success of their brethren in Asia against the Turk, which continues to be confirmed from several parts, though with some difference of circumstances." Note: This is in reference to…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, Dec. 7, 1665 

* Earliest & Rarest of newspapers to be had
* Great Plague of London - epidemic deaths

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. Plus this is the #7 issue.
Because of the Plague and an attempt to avoid the contagion, the Royal Court removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, Dec. 21, 1665 

* Earliest & Rarest of newspapers to be had
* The black plague deaths

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. This is the #11 issue.
Because of the Plague at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru #23 were published simultaneously in…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, Dec. 28, 1665 

* Earliest & Rarest of newspapers to be had
* Great Plague of London - epidemic deaths

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. This is the #13 issue.
Because of the Plague at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru #23 were published…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, London, January 18, 1665 (1666 by today's calendar)  

* One of the earliest & rarest of newspapers to be had

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world.
Because of the Plague at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru #23 were published in Oxford (actually published…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, January 25, 1665 (1666 by today's calendar) - issue #21  

* Rarest & Earliest of newspapers to be had
* 17th century Jewish content - Jews - Judaica

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. Because of the Plague at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 26, 1666  

* Sabbatai Zevi letter to the Hebrew community of Smyrna
* Ottoman Jewish mystic and rabbi - Izmir, Turkey
* Among earliest of newspapers to be had - great plague era

Of great significance is the front page Judaica item reading: "The Hebrews of this city of Smyrna have lately received a letter from Sabadai their Prophet, from his prison in the castle of the Dardanelli, encouraging them to stand fast and not to waiver in their opinions, for…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, September 17, 1666

* Among the earliest of newspapers to be had
* The Great London Fire disaster
* Charles II of England creates safety codes

 Certainly one of the more notable events in London history was the Great Fire which began on September 2. Very shortly thereafter, in an effort to rebuild London in a safe manner, the King issued various directives as to how the city would be rebuilt.
This text takes nearly half of the back page with a few portions…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 1, 1666  

* The great plague
* London fire report

The back page contains a report: "The Plague continuing still very dangerous at Cambridge, Peterborough, and other places near the City of Ely, the Lord Bishop of Ely hath thought fit to prohibit the holding of the Fairs of St. Luke & St. Audrey at Ely this instant October." plus the back page also has a report about the arrest of a man for "...having presumed to publish in print certain propositions for…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England.  A collection of four issues of this--the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper--each one hundred years apart. Issues are dated 1671, 1771, 1871 and 1971.
Interestingly, the format of this title did not change much over the years, save for the number of pages increasing with the years. The 4 issue collection comes in a custom-made 4 section, acid free folder with the title and years printed on the front.
No other title can be offered in such…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 16, 1675 

* King Philip's War - Metacomet
* New England Colonists vs. Indians
* First war in America (historic)

The back page has a report concerning King Philip's War, an armed conflict between Native American inhabitants of present-day New England and English colonists.
The significance of what is known as "King Philip's War" is lost with most Americans, but the event cannot be over-stated. This was America's first war, and the only newspaper in…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, August 19, 1675  

* King Philip's War - Metacomet
* New England Colonists vs. Indians
* First war in America (historic)

The significance of what is known as "King Philip's War" is lost with most Americans, but the event cannot be over-stated.
This was America's first war, and the only newspaper in existence to report it was this title. As Wikipedia notes, this was an armed conflict between Native American inhabitants of present-day New England and English…

THE PROTESTANT (DOMESTICK) INTELLIGENCE, Or News both from CITY AND COUNTRY, London, England, April 2, 1680  Here is a rare opportunity to purchase a newspaper by Benjamin Harris. Harris was the first newspaper publisher in the colonies, having published "Public Occurrences Both Forreign & Domestick" in Boston in 1690. It lasted for only one issue, and to this day only one issue of that newspaper has been found.
Before emigrating to the colonies, he published this newspaper in London, but he…

WEEKLY MEMORIALS FOR THE INGENIOUS, with the longer title including: "...Or, An Account of Books lately set forth in several Languages, With other Accounts Relating to Arts and Sciences." London, Dec. 11, 1682  

* Very rare 17th century publication

This rare title existed for just 50 issues, from January 16, 1682 thru January 15, 1683. Offered is issue #48.
Records note that this was just the second literary periodical in English, the first being "Mercurius Librarius" from 1680, but it…

GAZETTE DE LONDRES, March 14, 1677  This is a rare issue of the French edition of the very famous "London Gazette", obviously printed for the French-speaking residents of London, This is only the 5th or 6th such French language edition we have encountered in our 50+ years.
Of special note is we were able to pair this issue up with the corresponding issue of the LONDON GAZETTE printed in London, with the same date of March 14, 1677.
Both are complete as single sheet issues, 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, March 25, 1727  When it comes to notable deaths of the world, they don't get too much better than this.
Page 2 has a simple, yet powerful report noting simply: "Died, Sir Isaac Newton, the greatest Mathematician that the World ever knew."
Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author widely recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time and among the most influential scientists. 
Terri…

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735  

* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication

As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Colonies, and only the fourth newspaper published in all of the American…

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735 

* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication

As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Colonies, and only the fourth newspaper published in all of the American…

THE BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739  

* Extremely early & rare Colonial publication 

This is one of the most noted & long-lived American newspapers we have had the pleasure to offer, and is the earliest of this title we have offered. It began publishing in 1719 and existed thru 1798. It was founded by James Franklin, older brother of Ben Franklin and from whom Ben apprenticed in the printing business.
Brigham notes only 3 institutions have this date.
A handsome issue for display with…

THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740 

* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
* Ad for sale of a "healthy negro woman"

This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only preceded by "Public Occurrances Both Foreign and Domestick" which published just a single issue in 1690 before being suppressed & destroyed by the Royal Governor of…

THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1745  

* Very rare & early colonial magazine
* Great Boston masthead engraving

This is a very rare title, actually the first successful magazine in American history done in the traditional magazine format (Christian History preceded this by several years but was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening).
This magazine existed for about 3 years. Two previous attempts at a magazine in the colonies only lasted a few issues, one published by Ben…

THE NEW YORK WEEKLY POST-BOY, Dec. 23, 1745  

* Very rare Colonial NYC publication
* 30 years prior to the Revolutionary War

As those who follow our offerings know, it is rare that we have the opportunity to offer American newspapers from the 1740's. Here is a very handsome issue from 1745 featuring a nicely engraved, well-inked coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead. 
The entire front page and over half of page 2 are taken with a report from the commander-in-chief of the province of…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753

* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)

In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprint after 1765.
This issue is from before the French…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753

* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper

A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War and all the oppressive Acts of Parliament of the 1760's and 1770's…

THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755  

* Very rare & early American publication

A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that: "...they are building two new batteries upon the beach...That the three gun battery at the South End is to be greatly enlarged and more cannon added to it...".
Also: "...have advice that…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 22 1756 

* England declaration of war w/ France

The most significant item in this issue is: "His Majesty's Declaration of War Against the French King" which was the official beginning of the French & Indian War. It was prompted by England & France not being able to compromise on the border between their colonies in North America.

GREEN & RUSSELL'S BOSTON POST-BOY & ADVERTISER, June 18, 1759  

* Very rare Colonial publication
* French and Indian War era 

This is one of the less common colonial titles we have offered. A very handsome masthead with two ornate engravings, one of a sailing ship & the other of a horse-mounted post boy delivering the news.
Page 2 has reports from various American cities, including one item: "We hear from Albany that General Amherst, having received an express...from General Wolfe, immediately…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 25, 1760 

* George II of Great Britain death
* Early, same day report (rare)

Only to be had in a London newspaper is this very rare, same-day report of the death of the king.
At the top of the back page is a heading: "Postscript" with news recently received, the text noting: "This morning about seven o'clock, departed this life, at his palace at Kensington, his Sacred Majesty our most gracious Sovereign; a Prince endowed with all royal virtues. The…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE: or, UNIVERSAL EVENING POST, London, Sept. 29, 1761 

* George III of the United Kingdom

The front page begins the report on the coronation of King George III. "This day his Majesty King George the Third, and Queen Charlotte, were crowned in the abbey church of Westminster, with the ceremonies accustomed upon that great and glorious solemnity...". The article continues with in-depth details of the coronation, taking the entire second page and nearly half of the third…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 7, 1765  

* The Stamp Act crisis 
* Sir Francis Bernard speech
* Boston riots response

The front page has a report from Boston appointing a committee to be comprised of James Otis & Sam Adams, among others, to offer thanks for "...his Majesty's...noble, generous & truly patriotic speeches...in favour of the Colonies, their rights & privileges...".
But certainly the prime feature of this issue is the historic speech of Governor Bernard to the…

Pamphlet: "An EXTRACT from a late SERMON On the Death of the Reverend Mr. Joseph Emerson, Pastor of the First Church in Malden, Who Died very suddenly On Monday Evening July 13th, 1767. In the 68th Year of his Age. Delivered at Malden, By Joseph Emerson, A.M. Pastor of the Church at Pepperrell.
Boston: Printed by Edes & Gill...MDCCLXVII [1767]
Complete in 24 pages with full title page containing wide mourning rules, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, original string binding, 5 by 7…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 6, 1769  

* Early Yankee Doodle song mention
* Importation - exportation tensions

The front page has an interesting article about: "...George being now master of the ceremonies made the music play just as he pleased; and one night...he swore he would exhibit to the company a dance which had never been attempted but in North America. 'Twas in vain that his friends, observing the state of intoxication he was in,…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769 

* The Boston Non-Importation Agreement
* Boycott of British goods b merchants & traders
* Rare Colonial Pennsylvania publication

The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defense of the colonists in list of the troubles they are having with England.
A few bits include: "...that there could be any…

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, August 31, 1769 printed with THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, August 31, 1769  Both newspapers were published by Richard Draper on Thursday. A partnership with John Green and Joseph Russell printed the "Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser" on Mondays.

Both titles are printed on the same sheet of paper (each s single sheet; verified when held to the light) and were meant to be separated for individual sale & distribution. But this pair was not, hence the interesting

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770 

* The Boston Massacre
* Historic reporting

This is simply a terrific issue as it gives an excellent account of the Boston Massacre as taken from the "Boston Gazette" newspaper of March 12, 1770, the issue so famous that it was reprinted due to its excellent account of this, one of the most famous events of the 18th century, and a catalyst for action which would result in the Revolutionary War.
The report begins: "On the evening of Monday,…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1772

* Nice map of "West Florida"
* Pensacola, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana
* Plate of a rare bird from the Hudson Bay

Certainly the most notable item in this issue is the very nice foldout map titled: "A Map of Part of WEST FLORIDA" from Pensacola to the Mouth of Iberville River, with a View to shew the Proper Spot for a Settlement on the Mississippi." The map shows much detail (see) and includes a nice inset of a "Plan for a New…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 22, 1773

* Phillis Wheatley's London arrival
* Famous Woman servant turned poet

Certainly the most notable report is found on the back page, which contains: "Last Thursday the celebrated negro girl Phillis, the Poet, whose extraordinary talents have lately been taken notice of in the News Papers, arrived in London from Boston in New England. She had a letter of recommendation from a merchant at Boston to a bookseller in London, and is shortly to be…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, September, 1773

* Phillis Wheatley poem & biography
* Famous Woman servant turned poet

  Near the back is a printing of a poem titled: "On Recollection" which was written by the famed black poetess Phillis Wheatley. This piece also includes a brief biography of her.
Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American poet and the first African-American woman whose writings helped create the genre of African American literature. Born in Gambia, she…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1773 

* Captain James Cook
* North America map

Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice foldout map that accompanies the lengthy article: "Epitome of Lieut. Cooke's Voyage Round the World", showing most of North America, all of South America down to Cape Horn, and even portions of West Africa, Spain, France & England. Notice the shape of Florida & California.
This map folds out to 9 3/4 by 11 1/2 inches and is in great…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 2, 1774  

* Boston Port Act passed in a British publication
* Boston Tea Party colonists punishment for destroyed tea

The front page has a report that Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts, requests to return to England, with Thomas Gage appointed as his replacement.
But of great significance is the page 2, 3 & 4 printing of the Boston Port Bill, titled: "An Act to Discontinue, in Such Manner & for such Time as are Therein Mentioned, the…