Historic Newspapers: The 1600's and 1700's

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 17, 1672

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Dec. 14, 1671

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something from the 17th century in your hands
* Great gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 11, 1669

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something from the 17th century in your hands
* Great gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON EVENING POST, May 22, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy 

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day. Lightly inked red tax stamp on page 3.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue except for a front page list of "American Prisoners" (see images)
A very nice issue from…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 25, 1671

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something from the 17th century in your hands
* Great gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, April 5, 1779  Page 2 of this rare Revolutionary War-era issue features an important official communication from the Continental Congress, prefaced by an explanatory note signed in type by its President, John Jay, formally disavowing an unauthorized diplomatic publication that had surfaced in the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper. 

Sharing the page is a notable report extracted from the Boston Gazette concerning the movement of prisoners of war, stating that

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776 This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776. 

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are engaged in a most arduous undertaking. Generations yet unborn may owe

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 1776  This remarkably historic Revolutionary War issue contains a wealth of foundational content from the early months of 1876. 

Page 2 carries an exceptional military report from Montreal detailing the ongoing American campaign in Canada, reading in part: "Quebec is inclosed by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold. They hope to avoid storming & thereby prevent effusion of blood on both sides...These circumstances we

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 27, 1796  Fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress which is signed in script type: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. This Act was for providing money for the support of the government for the current year.
  Beginning on the front page & ending on page 2 is a letter signed in type by John Jay. And pg. 3 has a document concerning the sale of various tracts of land, signed in block type by the President: Go. Washington. 
Four…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 22, 1759  Page 5 has reports headed: "America" containing an: "Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia".
It begins; "General Forbes has left a garrison within the ruined works of Fort DuQuesne, which are repaired as well as circumstances will permit. The difficulty of subsisting a larger number reduces the forcers left there to 200, which is scarce sufficient either to defend the place, or restrain the savages..." with more.
Also: "Canada is reduced to a very…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 9, 1763   Page 3 contains a very lengthy report headed: "Extract from the Journal of an Officer at the Havana, containing some interesting Particulars of the Siege, not hitherto set n a true Light to the Public." This report takes a full page, carrying over to page 4.
The siege of Havana was a successful British siege against Spanish-ruled Havana that lasted from March to August 1762, as part of the Seven Years' War. The American theater of this war was…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 6, 1675

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747  Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Polly Baker". This is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as confirmed by the Franklin Papers, Yale University. Quite noteworthy!
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Account of the Behaviour and Execution of the late Lord Lovat & some Further Particulars of his Life". Included are the details of his execution on…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Nov. 27, 1676

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Nov. 27, 1673

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

* Pre and post American Revolutionary War era
* Great, unique gift idea for that history buff

(5) An interesting & unique lot of five British newspapers, containing all different titles from the 18th century. They span the 1760's thru the 1790's and include at least one from each decade. Some have red ink stamps (partial or otherwise, see images). Certainly a one-of-a-kind grouping.
Titles and dates in this lot include: The London Chronicle, March 2, 1762; The London Gazette, Oct. 13, 1770; The…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 30, 1674

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 16, 1701

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Unique gift idea for that history buff
* At the turn of the 18th century

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches and printed…

Much on George Whitefield... Methodism...

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Dec. May 25, 1676

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1796

* 18th century American publication

Published  by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, a little margin wear, generally in nice condition.

Background: Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy; or, the Worcester Gazette was a fiercely patriotic newspaper founded by Isaiah…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 23, 1700

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* From the turn of the 18th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches and…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 13, 1685

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 16, 1776  

* Hanging of Nathan Hale - American Revolutionary War 
* "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country" fame

The back page has a letter from a man on board a ship at New York dated Sept. 25, 1776. It begins; "Our army has met with great success; we just arrived from Halifax when they made their landing on Long Island & saw the battles fought between our troops and the rebels..." with more detail (see). But it is a later sentence in…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 31, 1776 and January 2, 1777  

* Battle of Long Island - New York City 
* American Revolutionary War - 2 issue set
* Continental Army - George Washington loss 

These two issues contain an excellent report on the battle for New York and the eventual evacuation of the city by George Washington.
Beginning in the Dec. 31 issue and taking over 2 complete pages is the beginning of the report which continues on the front page of the January 2, 1777 issue along with…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790  

* President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address

Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington. 
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Account of the Moravian Settlement at Bethlehem in…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1781

* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under the "Historical Chronicle". It begins with an editorial comment: "Gen. Washington's letter to the President of Congress on the surrender of the British army under Lord Cornwallis is truly…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787  

* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president 

An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791 

* French Revolution
* Constitution of France

A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (there were several iterations but the essence of each Article remains).
This is followed a lengthy report beginning: "The National…

ACT OF PARLIAMENT, London, England, 1759  

* 18th century original document

Nice full title page has an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms. Inside has an act: "...for taking off the prohibition of the exportation of corn, malt, meal, flour, bread, biscuit, and starch."
A decorative document given the displayable title page.
Four pages, 11 by 7 1/4 inches, nice condition.

Background: The passing of this act in 1759 was a critical economic lever pulled by the British government to navigate the…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 5, 1744  

* Rare colonial periodical 

This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 5, 1676

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Dec. 21, 1676

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 1, 1667

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something from the 17th century in your hands
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 6, 1671

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something from the 17th century in your hands
* Great gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798 

* Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 15, 1673

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, March 8, 1671

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, August 9, 1666  

* Earliest of newspapers to be had
* Report on the great plague (rare)

Not only is this a very early issue of the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world (it started in 1665) but the bottom of the back page has an account of the week's death toll from the Great Plague which was ravaging much of Europe at that time. It reads: "The Account of this Weeks bill runs thus. The Total 336. Of the Plague 42. Decreased in all 5.…

A COLLECTION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF HUSBANDRY AND TRADE, London, June 25, 1697  

* Very rare 17th century publication

This is one of the more uncommon titles from the 17th century we have had the pleasure to offer, with the content relating much to the title.  The back page has a large chart showing prices of various grains by city.
Complete as a single sheet issue, never bound nor trimmed, wide margins, archival mend across the central fold where previously separated, 8 1/2 by 14 inches, good…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 

* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Battle if the Nile (Napoleon/Nelson)

The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America

If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very…

THE IMPARTIAL PROTESTANT MERCURY, London, England, Jan. 3, 1681/2  

* Rare 17th century publication
* Protestants versus the Catholics

This single-sheet newspaper is a fascinating paper published during this time of struggle between Catholics and Protestants in government.
News is entirely from England & Scotland, with most of a column taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 7 by 11 1/2 inches, nice condition.

Background: This specific issue of The Impartial Protestant…

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 MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* A detailed eyewitness account 
* In a American publication (rare)

Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of…