The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
Criticizing Burgoyne for his failure in America...
Item #705295
October 02, 1779
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 2, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Gen. John Burgoyne failures
* re. Battles of Saratoga surrender
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a letter: "To Lieutenant-General Burgoyne" taken from a London newspaper and reprinted here.
Not surprisingly, the theme is critical of Burgoyne, who is be... See More
England recognizes America as free and independent? Battle of Eutaw Springs...
Item #704127
May 06, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, May 6, 1782
* England recognizes America free w/ independence ?
* Battle of Eutaw Springs - South Carolina
* American Revolutionary War original
* Nice patriotic masthead engraving for display
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Han... See More
Exceedingly rare Napoleon occupation newspaper...
Item #705267
May 01, 1811
COURRIER D'AMSTERDAM or the COURIER VAN AMSTERDAM, May 1, 1811 (No. 122)
* Exceedingly rare Napoleon Bonaparte occupation newspaper
This was a daily newspaper published in Amsterdam during the French occupation of Holland. It is bilingual: half printed in French and half in Dutch. Two mastheads as well, one in each language.
In 1810 Napoleon Bonaparte annexed Holland to his empire... See More
British officers revolt in New Jersey... News from Pensacola...
Item #703661
August 03, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
* Colonial - Anti-British publication
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the T... See More
The coronation of King George III...
Item #689557
September 29, 1761
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 artic... See More
On the 1929 stock market crash: in the Wall Street Journal...
Item #699328
October 26, 1929
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, October 26, 1929
* Stock market crash of 1929
* During the heart of the crash
* Best publication to be had (rare)
The stock market crash of 1929 did much to define America for the next decade, resulting in the Great Depression and all the trauma relating to it. It seemed common for many newspapers to put a positive spin on the on-going tragedy, so front... See More
Very rare 17th century title, lasting only 18 months...
Item #699488
October 03, 1681
THE DOMESTICK INTELLIGENCE: Or NEWS both from CITY AND COUNTRY Impartially Related, London, Oct. 3, 1681
* Very rare 17th century publication
A very rare and early British newspaper, not to be confused with two others having a similar title. This newspaper was published by Thomas Benskins and existed for just 18 months. Only one American institution has this issue in their holdings. T... See More
One of the earliest 17th century newspapers you will find...
Item #689694
September 10, 1639
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 163... See More
The first full-fledged Broadway musical...
Item #705696
September 12, 1866
NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 12, 1866 A terrific and historic issue relating to the first theatrical musical, "The Black Crook".
As Wikipedia notes: "Its significance is being considered the first piece of musical theater that conforms to the modern notion of a "book musical". The book is by Charles M. Barras, an American playwright. The music is mostly adaptations, b... See More
The Siege of Ninety-Six and more military events in South Carolina...
Item #696741
August 28, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 28, 1781
* Siege of Nintey Six - South Carolina
* General Nathanael Greene defeat
* American Revolutionary War
Half of page 2 is taken up with a letter from Major General Greene in which he officers much on the Siege of Ninety-Six.
Additional reports carry over to page 3 with much more detail on the military event... See More
Lewis and Clark return from their historic journey...
Item #702423
November 05, 1806
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 5, 1806
* Lewis and Clark Expedition letter
* Safe return - homeward bound
Page 2 begins with a notable report on the arrival of Lewis and Clark in St. Louis, after their 2-1/2 year expedition.
It begins: "It is, with the sincerest pleasure, that we announce to our fellow citizens, the arrival of CAPTAIN LEWIS, with his exploring party,... See More
Deaths of Joseph Haydn and Thomas Paine...
Item #684914
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1809* Deaths of Joseph Haydn and Thomas Paine
The obituary listing inside includes: "At New York, the notorious Thomas Pain [sic]; whose death is an admonitory event; may the lesson that it inculcates be impressive..." & more. The opposing page has: "In Guppendorff, aged 76, Joseph Haydn, the celebrated composer... ju... See More
On the Lewis & Clark Expedition, reported on the front page...
Item #702570
March 05, 1806
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 5, 1806
* Thomas Jefferson message to U.S. Congress
* First published information on Lewis and Clark
The front page has a nice "Message" to the Congress signed in type by the President: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition, including: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to ex... See More
Review & Ad of "The Black Crook" - the first full-fledged Broadway musical...
Item #711393
September 13, 1866
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 13, 1866
* "The Black Crook" opening premiere w/ review
* First musical theatre performance of the first modern-day musical!
* Niblo's Garden - Broadway - New York City
Page 4 has a review of the first performance of "The Black Crook" from the previous evening, which is quite lengthy & complimentary. Near the end it notes: "..... See More
President Lincoln repeals General Hunter's order (no. 11), which had emancipated slaves... Two mentions of Robert Smalls...
Item #712691
May 20, 1862
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 20, 1862
* General David Hunter's Emancipation order
* Abraham Lincoln rebuffs (nullifies)
* Robert Smalls & companions to be compensated
Page one has, "Gen. Hunter's Order Repudiated by the President," followed by, "He Pronounces it Void and of No Effect," and, "The Policy of the Administration Reiterated." The pronou... See More
Detailing how supportive England has been to the colonies...
Item #698043
January 28, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 28, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coa... See More
Funeral of Benjamin Franklin...
Item #701208
May 01, 1790
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, May 1, 1790 A report on page 3 headed: "The Immortal Franklin" begins: "This great and good man, whose death we announced in the last Centinel, was aged 85 years--and was interred with every mark of the esteem and veneration of his fellow citizens. His last illness lasted 16 days. At his funeral the following was the order of Procession.&quo... See More
A wealth of content concerning the Louisiana Territory... Lewis & Clark begin their journey...
Item #701336
November 23, 1803
NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 23, 1803
* Lewis and Clark Expedition begins
* Louisville, Kentucky - Ohio River
* re. Louisiana Purchase success
This is a wonderful issue on the recently concluded Louisiana Purchase.
Almost the entire front page is taken up with very detailed reporting on the Louisiana Purchase, with the first article: "Louisiana" taking over 2 columns. This is followed... See More
President Jefferson reports on the Lewis & Clark Expedition...
Item #702422
March 05, 1806
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, March 5, 1806
* President Thomas Jefferson
* Lewis and Clark expedition
Page 2 begins with a message from the President to the House signed in type: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
A few portions include: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to explore the river Missouri from its... See More
Wild Bill Hickok...
Item #704224
HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE, (New York), February, 1867 * Wild Bill Hickok
* Folklore hero of Old West
* Gunfighter & scout
Featured on the front page is a great full-figure print of "Wild Bill" Hickok, one of the most notable names from the Old West who was very much a legend in his own time.
Such a print of him is rarely found in newspapers or magazines, and in... See More
Abraham Lincoln's last public speech & last proclamation...
Item #688028
April 12, 1865
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 12, 1865
* Civil War is over speech
* Abraham Lincoln's last public speech
* Presidential proclamation 128
* Just 2 days before his assassination
The front page has one column heads including: "RECONSTRUCTION" "Important Speech by the President" "His Views On Peace & Reconstruction" with the text of his speech beginning:... See More
Rare Hawaii newspaper from 1859...
Item #698615
February 05, 1859
THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, (Hawaii), Feb. 5, 1859
* Very rare 19th century Hawaiian publication
A quite rare newspaper from such an early date, in fact outside of "The Friend" which was more of a missionary newspaper, this is the second oldest Hawaii newspaper we have offered.
It is formatted much like other newspapers of the day with the front page containing both ads & ... See More
One of the earliest 17th century newspapers you will find...
Item #675381
February 23, 1641
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... See More
Sherman's Christmas present to President Lincoln and the nation...
Item #688778
December 26, 1864
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Dec. 26, 1864 An historic issue reporting the fall of Savannah to the Union forces, with one of the more notable quotes part of the headlines, with ftpg: "CAPTURE OF SAVANNAH" "Hardee's Army Make Their Escape" "150 Guns, 13 Locomotives, 190 Cars & 33,000 Bales of Cotton Taken" "and more.
The most historic part of the report is Sherman&#... See More
Two full page Winslow Homer prints...
Item #688997
December 23, 1865
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Dec. 23, 1865
* Rare Winslow Homer prints
There are many prints within but certainly the two most significant are the full page prints by Winslow Homer, captioned: "Thanksgiving Day--Hanging Up the Musket" and the other: "Thanksgiving Day--The Church Porch". A small stain in the caption of each, otherwise very nice.
Other p... See More
Reaction to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown...
Item #698644
March 26, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 26, 1782
* Reaction to Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
Page 2 has some nice reporting on the military events further to the west, from a letter from Kentucky dated Dec. 6. It reports on the work of General Clarke near Fort Pitt, Colonel Loughrie, and some events near Detroit. ... See More
Death of John Paul Jones & a letter by Thomas Paine...
Item #703598
September 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 26, 1792
* John Paul Jones death - pirate ?
* Revolutionary War naval commander
* "Father of the American Navy
Most of the front page is taken up with "Mr. Paine's Letters to Lord Onslow" which has two of them, each signed in type: Thomas Paine.
The balance of the front page is taken up with an article headed: "John Pau... See More
A 1776 skirmish in South Carolina...
Item #704264
October 03, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1776
* Great year to collect (1776)
* American revolutionary War
* Cherokee village of Tamassee
* Major Andrew Williamson
Any newspaper dated 1776 is quite desirable, but even more so issues printed in Philadelphia.
Page 2 has a report which includes: "There is not a maritime nation in Europe but which privately c... See More
News of Cornwallis' surrender... Benedict Arnold & the Battle of Groton Heights...
Item #705470
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1781 Near the back is a section headed: "American News" which has a "Copy of a Letter from Brig. Gen. Arnold to his Excellency the Commander in Chief, dated Sound off Plumb Island, Sept. 8, 1781" which takes over an entire page & is signed by him in type: B. Arnold.This is his detailed report on the taking of New Londo... See More
Newspaper appearance of a Walt Whitman poem...
Item #652163
March 22, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, June 22, 1850
* Walt Whitman - American poet
* 2nd Appearance of "Resurgemus"
A very notable issue for any literary collector as the front page contains at the head of the first column the second newspaper appearance of Walt Whitman's poem "Resurgemus" signed by him in type at its conclusion: Walter Whitman. The very first appearance was on... See More
Unrecorded issue from Colorado...
Item #690238
August 21, 1880
THE SOUTHWEST, Animas City, Colorado, Aug. 21, 1880
* Very rare old West publication
* La Plata County - Durango
A quite rare title that printed in this town before moving to their new location of Durango in September. Gregory's 'Union List of American Newspapers' does not even have a listing for this title in Animas City. This is the volume 1, number 44 issue.
Various ar... See More
From rough & tumble Deadwood, Dakota Territory...
Item #683040
July 24, 1889
DEADWOOD DAILY PIONEER, Black Hills, (South Dakota) July 24, 1889
* Rare publication
* Famous wild West town
* "Wild Bill" Hickok fame
This city would arguably be--along with Tombstone & Dodge City--one of the more famous of all the towns from the rough & tumble days of the Old West, and only rarely do such issues come to light. It attracted larger-than-life Old Wes... See More
Surrender of Ticonderoga... Washington's Manifesto...
Item #702512
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Sept., 1777 Over 2 1/2 pages are taken up with: "Letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Sir William Howe" from Middlebrook, June 10, 1777, signed by him in type: Geo. Washington. This is followed by another letter from Washington to Howe, which begins: "The fortune of war having thrown Major-General Prescot in our hands, I beg leave to propos... See More
Pair of issues: criticizing astrology, with an astrologer's response...
Item #684757
October 01, 1869
BROUGHTON'S MONTHLY PLANET READER AND ASTROLOGICAL JOURNAL, Philadelphia, Oct., Nov., Dec., 1869
Also: SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, May 29, 1869
The former was a fascinating and very unusual newspaper of small-size themed on predicting what would happen in the future--great to read in hindsight.
The feature article, which takes all of pages 1 thru 5, is headed: "A Reply... See More
Very rare baseball newspaper... "Hal" McClure... Bucknell graduate...
Item #684990
July 09, 1886
OFFICIAL (Baseball) RECORD, New York, July 9, 1886
* Very rare baseball periodical
This is a volume two issue of a very rare & historically important baseball newspaper, the very first daily sports newspaper dedicated entirely to the national game of professional baseball.
Although the masthead reads: "Official Record" the title at the top of pages 2, 3 & 4 rea... See More
First issue of a rare title which lasted just 3 issues...
Item #698082
April 25, 1863
ALBANY ARMY LETTER, New York, April 10-25, 1863
* Extremely rare publication
* American Civil War era
This was the volume 1 number 1 issue of an exceedingly rare title which lasted for just 3 issues, the others dated May 15 and May 28.
Content includes various local news, information on the progress of war, engagements of various regiments, a report of the presentation of battle fla... See More
Hometown newspaper reports: Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak begins, is established, and ends...
Item #698562
July 18, 1941
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, a trio of issues for May 16, July 17 and 18, 1941
* Joe DiMaggio's famous hitting streak
* It begins - breaks record - and ending
* New York Yankees - MLB baseball
* 3 issue lot from his hometown publication
The sports page of May 16 has a report on the game with the Chicago White Sox, noting a 13-1 defeat, but also including the box score which shows Jo... See More
Newspaper of the 'African Methodist Episcopal Church'...
Item #698480
April 06, 1922
WESTERN CHRISTIAN RECORDER, Kansas City, Kansas, April 6, 1922 The masthead notes that this is: "The Official Organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church". As the title would suggest, primarily religious news and reports.
Four pages, folio size, toned, good condition.
Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #698030
December 19, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 19, 1795
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Over half of the front page is taken up with the "President's Address" being George Washington's annual state-of-the-union address for the year 1795, a tradition he started in his first administration and which continues to this day.
The "Speech" as it is ... See More
Surrender of Ticonderoga... Washington's Manifesto...
Item #667876
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Sept., 1777 * Siege of Fort Ticonderoga
* General George Washington
* American Revolutionary War
Over 2 1/2 pages are taken up with: "Letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Sir William Howe" from Middlebrook, June 10, 1777, signed by him in type: Geo. Washington. This is followed by another letter from Washington to Howe, which begin... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington... Will of Ben Franklin...
Item #705730
May 29, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790 On page 3 beneath a woodcut of an eagle and shield are: "Laws Of The United States Published By Authority" containing: "An Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings in each state...", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson, plus a second Act conce... See More
Jackson's defining document in the Nullification Crisis...
Item #696642
January 18, 1833
SUPPLEMENT TO THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 1833
* Nullification Crisis w/ Andrew Jackson
An interesting single sheet printed on tissue paper-quality newsprint; very thin.
Save for a few ads on the back side the entire issue is taken up with the: "MESSAGE Of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress, transmitting copies of the Ordinanc... See More
A Croatian-American newspaper from Montana...
Item #712360
August 25, 1900
SRPSKO JEDINSTVO, "The First And the Only Slavonian Weekly In Montana", Aug. 25, 1900
* Extremely rare publication
* In Slavic and English Languages
Little is known about this unusual newspaper other than the Library of Congress noting this very issue, volume 3, numb er 16, August 25, 1900. Their information is likely based upon this very newspaper. This title is not... See More
Jeff Davis' inaugural address: in a Confederate newspaper...
Item #666370
February 25, 1862
THE DAILY SOUTHERN GUARDIAN, Columbia, South Carolina, Feb. 25, 1862
* Jefferson Davis inaugural address
* Rare Confederate publication
A rather rare title and great that it has the word “Southern”.
Certainly the most notable content begins page 2 being: "President Jefferson Davis's Inaugural address, delivered in Richmond, February 22, 1862" which takes ove... See More
Text and prints on the Battle of Gettysburg...
Item #698154
July 25, 1863
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 25, 1863
* Battle of Gettysburg conflict scenes
* General Ulysses S. Grant vs. Robert E. Lee
The full front page is a nice portrait of: "Major-General Ulysses S. Grant ("Unconditional Surrender" Grant)". Inside has a full page: "The Siege of Vicksburg--View Upon the Extreme Right, Showing the Mississippi River Above and Belo... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702595
August 10, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, Aug. 10 1848
* Great political themed masthead engraving
* Supporting Zachery Taylor for president
This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short-lived newspapers to support their can... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702591
July 13, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, July 13, 1848
* President Zachary Taylor
* Rare campaign publication
* Nice masthead for display
This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President. And it is the volume 1, number 2 issue.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short... See More
Union occupation newspaper from Wilmington, North Carolina...
Item #701895
March 04, 1865
THE HERALD OF THE UNION, Wilmington, North Carolina, March 4, 1865
* Rare Union occupation publication
* Final weeks of the American Civil War
* Last Atlantic port of the Confederacy
This is a Union occupation newspaper, as Wilmington fell to the Yankee forces in February, 1865, being the last Atlantic port to fall to the Northern forces. This is the volume 1, number 5 issue. ... See More
The famous Winslow Homer print "Waiting for a Bite"...
Item #698672
August 22, 1874
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 22, 1874 Certainly the most notable print in this issue is the very nice full page by Winslow Homer titled: "Waiting for a Bite." It is in great condition.
Other prints in this issue are a full ftpg. illus. "The Little Vagrant." Inside is a 1/2 pg. map of "The Gold Regions of the Black Hills, Explored by General Custer's Exp... See More
One of the more fascinating publishers from the Civil War...
Item #690641
April 23, 1864
BROWNLOW’S KNOXVILLE WHIG, AND REBEL VENTILATOR, Tennessee, April 23, 1864
* Very rare Civil War publication
* William Gannaway "Parson" Brownlow
W. G. Brownlow, or Parson Brownlow, was a fascinating personality to say the least. He regarded anyone who disagreed with him about religion or politics as an enemy. The circuit-riding Methodist parson turned to t... See More
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