Coffee House (UK)
What we now refer to as "coffee-house newspapers" were originally distributed within 17th and 18th century English coffeehouses. For the price of a penny, customers purchased a cup of coffee and admission, which typically included a newspaper - often printed specifically for their patrons. Socially similar to English alehouses, the absence of alcohol created an atmosphere in which one could engage in more serious conversation as they perused their newspaper (source: adapted from Wikipedia). Many of these original coffeehouse newspapers are available for sale and are shown below. Please enjoy.Coffee House (UK)
What we now refer to as "coffee-house newspapers" were originally distributed within 17th and 18th century English coffeehouses. For the price of a penny, customers purchased a cup of coffee and admission, which typically included a newspaper - often printed specifically for their patrons. Socially similar to English alehouses, the absence of alcohol created an atmosphere in which one could engage in more serious conversation as they perused their newspaper (source: adapted from Wikipedia). Many of these original coffeehouse newspapers are available for sale and are shown below. Please enjoy.
17th century from London... 1681 original...
Item #670379
November 26, 1681
THE OBSERVATOR, London, November 26, 1681
* Woman publisher
This is a handsome dialogue newspaper founded by Sir Roger L'Estrange, a Tory pamphleteer, as a vehicle for attacking dissenters and Whigs. Done in a dialogue format, between Whig & Tory. This early single sheet newspaper has the old style type making it great for framing, but the most intriguing aspect of this issue is tha... See More
From the 1600's by a woman publisher... Joanna Brome...
Item #600518
THE OBSERVATOR, London, England, 1682 A dialogue newspaper founded by Sir Roger L'Estrange, a Tory pamphleteer, as a vehicle for attacking dissenters and Whigs. This early singlesheet newspaper has the old style type making it great for framing (see photo) particularly with the over 300+ year old date clearly visible in the dateline.This is a handsome dialogue newspaper founded by Sir ... See More
From the 1600's by a woman publisher... Joanna Brome...
Item #663842
THE OBSERVATOR, London, England, July 25, 1682 A dialogue newspaper founded by Sir Roger L'Estrange, a Tory pamphleteer, as a vehicle for attacking dissenters and Whigs. This early singlesheet newspaper has the old style type making it great for framing (see photo) particularly with the over 300+ year old date clearly visible in the dateline.This is a handsome dialogue newspaper founde... See More
From the 1600's by a woman publisher... Joanna Brome...
Item #672877
THE OBSERVATOR, London, England, Oct. 14, 1682 A dialogue newspaper founded by Sir Roger L'Estrange, a Tory pamphleteer, as a vehicle for attacking dissenters and Whigs. This early singlesheet newspaper has the old style type making it great for framing (see photo) particularly with the over 300+ year old date clearly visible in the dateline.This is a handsome dialogue newspaper founde... See More
From the 1600's by a woman publisher... Joanna Brome...
Item #672876
THE OBSERVATOR, London, England, Oct. 16, 1682 A dialogue newspaper founded by Sir Roger L'Estrange, a Tory pamphleteer, as a vehicle for attacking dissenters and Whigs. This early singlesheet newspaper has the old style type making it great for framing (see photo) particularly with the over 300+ year old date clearly visible in the dateline.This is a handsome dialogue newspaper founde... See More
Interesting title from the 17th century...
Item #670013
December 15, 1682
THE WEEKLY PACQUET OF ADVICE FROM ROME: OR, THE HISTORY OF POPERY, London, Dec. 15, 1682 An unusual anti-Catholic newspaper which has a short life before being suppressed. Attached at the back is a single sheet headed: "The Courant: Or, The Jesuits Memoirs".
Complete in 8 pages, 5 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches, very nice condition.
Handsome, 300+ year old newspaper... published by Charles Brome...
Item #601055
THE OBSERVATOR, London, England, 1684-1686 A dialogue newspaper founded by Sir Roger L'Estrange, a Tory pamphleteer, as a vehicle for attacking dissenters and Whigs. This early singlesheet newspaper has the old style type making it great for framing (see photo) particularly with the over 300+ year old date clearly visible in the dateline.Note: These issues were published by Charles Bro... See More
Gentleman's newspaper from 17th century England...
Item #669621
January 23, 1691
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, Jan. 23, 1691
* Rare 17th century title
This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics. A very early English periodical now over 325 years old.
This newspaper was done in question/answer format. This newspaper was published at a time when there wer
... See More
* Rare 17th century title
This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics. A very early English periodical now over 325 years old.
This newspaper was done in question/answer format. This newspaper was published at a time when there wer
A title rarely offered...
Item #637741
June 19, 1691
MERCURIUS REFORMATUS, OR THE NEW OBSERVATOR, London, England, June 19, 1691
* 17th century original
* Rare title
A quite uncommon newspaper done in question/answer format, whereby a topic, or topics, are raised and then discussed. The topics indicated under the masthead in this issue are: 1. One would have expected the French King in person at this time as the Head of his ... See More
John Marshall, a pioneer in the world of spectacles & optics...
Item #664279
November 19, 1692
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Nov. 19, 1692
* Rare 17th century publication
* Early optician, John Marshall ad
One of just four advertisements on the back page is a quite lengthy & descriptive ad beginning: "At the sign of the Archimedes and Spectacles in Ludgate street, the West End of St. Paul's Church, London, by John Marshal are made all manner of prospective glasses,... See More
Incredibly rare item: John Marshall, a pioneer in the world of spectacles & optics... Optician to the King & Queen..
Item #664265
November 26, 1692
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Nov. 26, 1692 Among the two advertisements on the back page is a quite lengthy & descriptive ad beginning: "At the sign of the Archimedes and Spectacles in Ludgate street, the West End of St. Paul's Church, London, by John Marshal are made all manner of prospective glasses, telescopes, microscopes, single and double, reading glasses, large concave g... See More
(3) Gentleman's newspapers from 17th century England...
Item #667076
December 20, 1692
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, June 21, July 5, Dec. 20, 1692
* Rare 17th century title
* Lot of 3 issues
This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics. A very early English periodical now over 320 years old.
These newspapers were done in question/answer format. These newspap
... See More
* Rare 17th century title
* Lot of 3 issues
This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics. A very early English periodical now over 320 years old.
These newspapers were done in question/answer format. These newspap
One of just two known newspapers with a contemporary account of the Salem witch trials...
Item #668366
December 31, 1692
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Dec. 31, 1692
* Rare Salem witch trials reporting
* Very early 17th century title
An exceedingly rare issue as it is one of only two known contemporary newspaper accounts of the Salem witch trials.
This newspaper published in question/answer format, and the front page begins with: "Quest 1. In the remarkable TRYALS of WITCHES published this Week by Mr. ... See More
Advertisement on the Salem witch trials...
Item #668690
January 28, 1693
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Jan. 28, 1693
* Rare Salem witch trials advertisement
* Very early and rare 17th century title
The back page has an advertisement for the book: "The TRYALS of several WITCHES lately Executed in New-England, and of several remarkable Curiosities therein occurring. Written by Cotton Mather, and Published by the Special Command of the Governour."
... See More
Advertisement on the Salem witch trials...
Item #645130
February 11, 1693
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Feb. 11, 1693
* Rare Salem witch trials advertisement
* Very early and rare 17th century title
The back page has an advertisement for the book "The Second Edition of the late TRYALS of several WITCHES in New-England. Written by Cotton Mather, and Published by the Special Command of the Governour." (see)
This is the only periodical we have ever ... See More
On the Salem witch trials...
Item #662913
February 21, 1693
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Feb. 21, 1693 This was a fine gentlemen's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics & one of the earliest periodicals in English. Partially in question/answer format.
The back page has an advertisement for the 2nd edition of a book: "The late TRYALS of Several WITCHES ... See More
Book on the trial of Quakers held at Philadelphia...
Item #668698
November 18, 1693
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, Nov. 18, 1693 This was a "gentleman's" newspaper very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics done in question/answer format. Published at a time when there were no newspapers printing in the American colonies.
The back page has a nice ad for a book: "The TRYALS of several Quakers for gre
... See More
The back page has a nice ad for a book: "The TRYALS of several Quakers for gre
(3) Gentleman's newspapers from 17th century England...
Item #667436
March 06, 1694
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, Feb. 27, Dec. 1 & 4, 1694
* Rare 17th century title
* Lot of 3 issues
This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics. A very early English periodical now over 320 years old.
These newspapers were done in question/answer format. These newspape
... See More
* Rare 17th century title
* Lot of 3 issues
This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics. A very early English periodical now over 320 years old.
These newspapers were done in question/answer format. These newspape
Over 300 years old...
Item #120350
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1695. This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics & one of the earliest periodicals in English. Partially in question/answer format. This newspaper was published before any American newspapers even existed.A single sheet newspaper prin... See More
Over 320 years old...
Item #649262
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1695. This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics & one of the earliest periodicals in English. Partially in question/answer format. This newspaper was published before any American newspapers even existed.A single sheet newspaper prin... See More
A variant and short-lived title...
Item #120190
THE REHEARSAL OF OBSERVATOR, London, England 1704-1706 A variant title --& earlier date--of the newspaper titled "The Rehearsal", and much less common. A single sheet newspaper printed on both sides measuring about 8 by 13 inches. The image shown is only an example of the layout and condition of what you will receive. Actual issues vary within the specifications given.N... See More
A variant and short-lived title...
Item #649223
THE REHEARSAL OF OBSERVATOR, London, England 1704-1706 A variant title --& earlier date--of the newspaper titled "The Rehearsal", and much less common. A single sheet newspaper printed on both sides measuring 8 by 13 inches. The image shown is only an example of the layout and condition of what you will receive. Actual issues vary within the specifications given.Note: U... See More
Rare mention of Virginia in this early title...
Item #637947
October 09, 1706
THE REHEARSAL, London, Oct. 9, 1706
* Rare 18th century title
* Quite early mention of Virginia
A fine single sheet newspaper which lasted only 6 years. It was published by Charles Leslie, considered a violent controversialist who was virtually inextinguishable. Another source notes: "...in August 1704, he had started, in opposition to the ‘Observator’ and Defoe'
... See More
* Rare 18th century title
* Quite early mention of Virginia
A fine single sheet newspaper which lasted only 6 years. It was published by Charles Leslie, considered a violent controversialist who was virtually inextinguishable. Another source notes: "...in August 1704, he had started, in opposition to the ‘Observator’ and Defoe'
Short-lived newspaper with an interesting title...
Item #120202
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 1708. The British Apollo appeared twice a week until issue 79, and then three times a week. A popular paper edite... See More
One of the less common, early titles...
Item #597046
May 15, 1708
THE REHEARSAL, London, May 15, 1708
* Rare 18th century title
A fine single sheet newspaper which lasted only 6 years. By Charles Leslie, considered a violent controversialist who was virtually inextinguishable. Content is discussion of various topics. Unusual & seldom found. 12 3/4 by 7 1/4 inches. Minor archival mend on the reverse, very nice condition.
... See More
* Rare 18th century title
A fine single sheet newspaper which lasted only 6 years. By Charles Leslie, considered a violent controversialist who was virtually inextinguishable. Content is discussion of various topics. Unusual & seldom found. 12 3/4 by 7 1/4 inches. Minor archival mend on the reverse, very nice condition.
One of the less common, early titles...
Item #597162
May 19, 1708
THE REHEARSAL, London, May 19, 1708
* Rare 18th century title
A fine single sheet newspaper which lasted only 6 years. By Charles Leslie, considered a violent controversialist who was virtually inextinguishable. Content is discussion of various topics as listed just above the dateline. Unusual & seldom found. 12 3/4 by 7 1/4 inches. Minor archival mend on the reverse, very nice co
... See More
* Rare 18th century title
A fine single sheet newspaper which lasted only 6 years. By Charles Leslie, considered a violent controversialist who was virtually inextinguishable. Content is discussion of various topics as listed just above the dateline. Unusual & seldom found. 12 3/4 by 7 1/4 inches. Minor archival mend on the reverse, very nice co
Short-lived newspaper with an interesting title...
Item #656987
June 18, 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 June 18, 1708.
* Uncommon Title
* Short-lived newspaper
This newspaper existed for less than 4 years. Readers were invi... See More
Short-lived newspaper with an interesting title...
Item #622756
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 July 16, 1708. The British Apollo appeared twice a week until issue 79, and then three times a week.A popular paper edited b... See More
Short-lived newspaper with an interesting title...
Item #643017
August 06, 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
Famous title from the early 1700's...
Item #120185
THE SPECTATOR, London, 1711-1712 (untrimmed) One of the most famous of the early newspapers & by the famed Addison & Steele. Nice condition, some foxing, single sheet. The image shown is representative of the condition and look of the issue you will receive. Actual dates vary but will be dated within 1711 or 1712. Note: No red ink stamps are present.
Early and notable 18th century title... Addison & Steele...
Item #120488
THE SPECTATOR, London, England, 1711 One of the more famous of the early newspapers and by the famed Addison & Steele. Nice condition, trimmed, some light browning. A single sheet issue measuring 8 by 11 1/2 inches. Red ink stamps do not appear to be present.
The "Spectator" newspaper by Addison & Steele......
Item #644852
June 08, 1711
THE SPECTATOR, London, June 8, 1711 This is one of the more famous "coffee-house" newspapers of the early 18th century, done by the famed Addison & Steele. A single sheet newspaper measuring 7 1/2 by 12 inches, nice condition.
Early and notable 18th century title... Addison & Steele...
Item #649221
THE SPECTATOR, London, England, 1712 One of the more famous of the early newspapers and by the famed Addison & Steele. Nice condition, trimmed, some light browning. A single sheet issue measuring 8 by 11 1/2 inches. Red ink stamps do not appear to be present.
Very rare & early British title... Published by Richard Steele...
Item #660371
July 25, 1715
THE ENGLISHMAN, London, July 25, 1715 This is one of the more rare British titles from the early part of the 18th century, published by the famed Richard Steele and being a continuation of his newspaper "The Guardian". It ran for just 95 issues. One writer noted it: "...targeted (and to some degree, created) the rising London middle class, both men and women, offering readers ... See More
Quite uncommon from London...
Item #656972
February 14, 1723
THE TRUE BRITON, London, Feb. 14, 1723-4
* Early 18th century
The double date is due to the use of both the Julian & Gregorian calendars at the time. A quite uncommon single sheet newspaper which has comparatively large lettering in the masthead. Rather than present news reports, this newspaper is almost entirely editorial with much on politics. The back page includes "A... See More
Quite uncommon from London...
Item #620617
November 18, 1723
THE TRUE BRITON, London, Nov. 18, 1723 A quite uncommon single sheet newspaper which has comparatively large lettering in the masthead. Rather than present news reports, this newspaper is almost entirely editorial, with much on politics. The back page has various "Advertisement".
Complete as a single sheet, close-trimmed at the top of the back pg. affects the top line, other... See More
A Free Thinker's Religion... On Conjugal Love...
Item #647194
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1732 The issue begins with 26 pages of "A View of the Weekly Disputes & Essays in this Month". This section has various reports from the many newspapers in England including the London Journal, The Craftsman, Applebee's Journal, Universal Spectator, Fog's Journal, the Free Briton, the Weekly Register, and more. These newspa... See More
James Oglethorpe & the Trustees of Georgia...
Item #651007
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1732 Near the back is the "Monthly Intelligencer" which includes a list of the: "Trustees Appointed for Establishing the New Colony in Georgia, Incorporated by a Charter now Passing" and which includes within the list: James Oglethorpe (see photos). There is also a brief item: "From South Carolina".The issue begins w... See More
Rare 18th century title....
Item #669987
THE UNIVERSAL SPECTATOR & WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, July 14, 1733 * Rare 18th century publication
A very uncommon & early title we have rarely offered in our 44 years in this business. The four pages contain various news from London & elsewhere, plus advertisements taking up the entire back page.
Four pages, 10 1/4 by 13 1/4 inches, nice condition.... See More
Rare 18th century title....
Item #595223
THE UNIVERSAL SPECTATOR & WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, March 2, 1734 A very uncommon & early title we have only seen once in our 35+ years in this business. The four pages contain various news from London & elsewhere, plus letters and some advertisements which take up the entire back page. Measures about 10 by 13 1/2 inches, water staining & some foxing.
Settling Georgia...
Item #616459
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1735 Near the back is a section headed: "Monthly Intelligencer" with news reports from various parts of England & Europe with one report under the heading: "Plantation Affairs" including: "From Georgia, that the 27th of December last the Indian Princes...arriv'd there in good health, pleas'd with their voyage. ... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
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Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
