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 #678364
December 03, 1681
THE OBSERVATOR, London, Dec. 3, 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 that the... 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 #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
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 #676988
June 11, 1692
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, June 11, 1692
* 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 weren't
... 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 weren't
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
Advertisement on the Salem witch trials...
Item #668691
January 24, 1693
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Jan. 24, 1693
* Rare Salem witch trials book 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.&qu... See More
Advertisement on the Salem witch trials...
Item #676076
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 #668701
November 18, 1693
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, Nov. 14, 1693
* Rare 17th century publication
* Philadelphia Quakers trial book ad
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.
Th
... See More
* Rare 17th century publication
* Philadelphia Quakers trial book ad
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.
Th
Over 300 years old...
Item #120350
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1694. 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 print... See More
Over 325 years old...
Item #649262
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1694. 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
Perhaps the very first vegan of note...
Item #679557
April 28, 1694
THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, April 28, 1694 This interesting question/answer format newspaper begins with a question concerning: "...Robert Cooke...and why he doth not eat fish, flesh; milk, butter &etc. nor drink wine nor beer...nor wear woolen clothes (but linnen)...". Cook's answer is lengthy and detailed.
Robert Cook was an Irish eccentric farmer & ... See More
A 1690's discussion regarding "eating blood"...
Item #678878
May 08, 1694
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, May 8, 1694
* Rare 17th century publication
* Is the eating of Blood lawful?
* Jews... Christians...
The entire issue is dedicated to answering the question of whether it is "lawful" for Christians to "Eat Blood", and the difference between the Christians and Jews in this regard. Considering the ongoing "Jewish Blood Libe
... See More
* Rare 17th century publication
* Is the eating of Blood lawful?
* Jews... Christians...
The entire issue is dedicated to answering the question of whether it is "lawful" for Christians to "Eat Blood", and the difference between the Christians and Jews in this regard. Considering the ongoing "Jewish Blood Libe
(3) Gentleman's newspapers from 17th century England...
Item #677963
December 29, 1694
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, Feb. 6 & 27 and March 6, 1694
* Rare 17th century publication
* Lot of 3 issues over 325 yrs. old
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.
These newspapers were done in question/a
... See More
* Rare 17th century publication
* Lot of 3 issues over 325 yrs. old
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.
These newspapers were done in question/a
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 #670121
THE REHEARSAL OF OBSERVATOR, London, England Dec. 30, 1704 * Volume 1 - Number 22 issue
* Rare 18th century publication
A variant title --& earlier date--of the newspaper titled "The Rehearsal", and much less common.
A single sheet newspaper printed on both sides, 8 by 13 inches, very discrete repair to a lower blank corner, very nice condition.
... 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 Daniel DeFoe periodical...
Item #207535
A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, 1708 From research done by the prestigious London rare book firm of Pickering & Chatto, this is one of Daniel Defoes greatest, but least known works. The Review covered his many interests, both literary and historical and was published twice and later three times a week. The reason for the neglect of this work is due in part to the tiny orig... See More
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
Rare Daniel DeFoe periodical...
Item #648009
July 17, 1708
A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, July 17, 1708
* Rare Daniel Defoe periodical
* Early 18th century original
From research done by the prestigious London rare book firm of Pickering & Chatto, this is: "...one of Daniel Defoe's greatest, but least known, works. The Review covered his many interests, both literary and historical. It had a tiny original pr... 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
Rare Daniel DeFoe periodical...
Item #670012
December 18, 1708
A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, Dec. 18, 1708
* Rare Daniel Defoe periodical
* Early 18th century original
From research done by the prestigious London rare book firm of Pickering & Chatto, this is: "...one of Daniel Defoe's greatest, but least known, works. The Review covered his many interests, both literary and historical. It had a tiny original pr... See More
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.
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 #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.
This title lasted less than seven months...
Item #673504
July 01, 1713
THE GUARDIAN, London, July 1, 1713
* Rare 18th century title
* Addison & Steele fame
A very short-lived newspaper lasting less than seven months, notable for its publisher Richard Steele with contributions from Joseph Addison, Alexander Pope & others. Steele and Addison had previously collaborated on the "Tatler" and "The Spectator", issues of both we... See More
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 #670124
October 07, 1723
THE TRUE BRITON, London, Oct. 7, 1723
* Early 18th century
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 "Advertisements" as well as more news item.
Complete as a single sheet, full red tax stamp to the... See More
Defending the criticisms of Jews...
Item #679999
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1731* A rare 1st edition
* Supporting criticism of the Jews
* Early report from Boston
This is just the third issue of this extremely successful magazine. Several editions of the first several issues were printed in the early 1730's, and are typically identified as such (2nd edition, 3rd edition, etc.) at the bottom of the title page. This ... 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
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Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
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Phone: 1-570-326-1045
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E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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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
