Historic Newspapers: Catalog 369 - released for August, 2026...

GAZETTE, Paris, France, Feb. 2, 1641  (date listed at the bottom of the back page).  This title 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 is in French with the first letter in the title containing embellishments. An ornate letter begins the first paragraph on the front page.
Four pages, 8 3/4 by 6 1/2 inches, in great condition. One of the earliest dated…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 9, 1667  An early issue of this still publishing newspaper which began in 1665.
The front page has a report noting: "...the Magdalen Ulushing a swift sailing galling with ballast, which came out from thence on Sunday morning last, being sent express from the States to their Plantations in America carrying to them the treaty lately concluded at Breda...".
This is one of the earliest reports we have seen of a notable news report, the Treaty of Breda, being…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1670's (2nd-rate)  A genuine issue of this famous title, the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper having begun in 1665 & is still publishing today.
This newspaper is a bit "2nd rate" in condition, having minor disfigurements such as heavy foxing, edge tears, close trimming or other minor problems which allow us to discount the price considerably. This is not a "damaged" issue. A great opportunity to purchase a newspaper over 300 years old at a…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 19, 1684  (1685 by today's calendar)  The front page has a report from Edinburgh mentioning the arrival of: "...the most sorrowful news of the death of our late Gracious Sovereign..." and also on the front page is a document beginning: "For as much as it hath pleased the Almighty God to call CHARLES the Second...from a Temporary Crown to inherit an Eternal in the Heavens..." and mention of the succession of James Seventh (actually James II).
Pages 2, 3 and 4…

(5) THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1600's (2nd rate)  An opportunity to purchase a lot of 5 issues of the oldest continually published English language newspaper, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today. All are from the late 1600's, priced due to minor imperfections causing them to be 2nd rate. A great opportunity to obtain authentic 17th century newspapers at a fraction of their typical cost. The image shown is just an example. Actual issues vary.

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, May 16, 1691  This was the very first of the "agony aunt" newspapers, a newspaper providing personal advice to its readers.
In creating this format of responding to questions from readers, the publisher, John Dunton, did so as a result of feeling guilty for cheating on his wife. He thought that people like himself might appreciate confiding in a stranger --anonymously--& that readers would be titillated by the exchange.
It proved to be a success as he was…

VOTES OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, London, England, 1699  This was not a newspaper in the ordinary sense, but rather an official parliamentary publication that recorded the daily proceedings, decisions, resolutions, and votes of the British House of Commons. It was one of the most important governmental publications of the 18th century and served as the authoritative public record of parliamentary business.
Rarely has this title been found in the collector market outside of our website.
Complete as…

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1692-1694. 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 printed on both sides (typical for the period), measuring 7 1/2 by 12 1/2 inches. Very nice, clean…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1690-1699  An opportunity for a genuine issue of the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 & is still publishing today. This issue is well over 300 years old. 
Very nice condition with some minor foxing, single sheet, printed on both sides. A very popular title & a foundation for any newspaper collection.  The photos are representative of the look and condition of the issue you will receive. Actual dates vary within…

(10) A lot of ten engraved plates from "Gentleman's Magazine", London, all from the 1700's to early 1800's (though not dated). The lot may include foldouts, prints of buildings, diagrams, maps, etc. A few defects at the margins, some of the fold lines of multi-panel plates may be archivally mended from the reverse, but otherwise nice condition.

THE REHEARSAL OF OBSERVATOR, London, England  1704-1705  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: Upon request, we also have issues of "The Rehearsal".

London pamphlet from 1707. The full title page notes in part: "A SERMON Preach'd before the QUEEN, in Passion Week, 1702. At Saint James's Chapel" with more, the second edition, London, 1707.
Complete in 16 numbered pages, 4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches, very nice condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 19, 1707  One of the more notable events of the early 18th century was the formal union of England & Scotland, through the Acts of Union ratified by both Parliaments, and taking effect May 1, 1707, thus creating Great Britain.
Over half of the front page is taken up with addresses from various towns congratulating the Queen on this notable event.
Complete as a single sheet, 7 by 11 1/2 inches, great condition.
 

A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, April 24, 1708  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 print run of just 400, making this a very rare title.
Defoe's "Review" played a significant role in the birth of the modern press. It was not so much a newspaper dealing in facts but a…

THE VISIONS OF SIR HEISTER RYLEY: WITH OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, London, 1710  Sir Heister Ryley, the fictitious editor of the Visions of Sir Heister Ryley, is a man interested in all fields of learning, a "stickler in the business of truth" and absolutely averse to siding with any political party. His little newspaper was a 4 page serial. It contained essays, letters and miscellaneous material which was datelined from such places as "From my house in St. James Square", "From London-Bridge", "From…

THE SPECTATOR, London, England, 1711-12  One of the more famous of the early newspapers - founded by the famed Addison & Steele. Nice condition, trimmed, some light browning. A single sheet issue measuring approximately 8 by 11 1/2 inches. 

(5) THE LONDON GAZETTE  A  lot of five issues of the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, all from the early 1700's (1712-1739), priced at a bargain due to being a blend of 2nd rate and slightly damaged issues. A great opportunity for authentic issues from the early 18th century at a fraction of their typical cost. The image shown is just an example of what you will receive. Actual issues/dates vary.

THE POST BOY, London, England, March 15, 1717  A very handsome newspaper as it features two ornately engravings in the masthead, plus an ornate & large first letter in the text.
The top of the back cage has much detail on the publishing of a book: "A Journal of a Voyage Performed by Monsieur de la Sale, to the Gulph of Mexico; to find out the Mouth of the Mississippi River: Contains an Account of the Settlements he endeavored to make on the Coast of the aforesaid Bay; his unfortunate Death; and…

(8) GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England  A nice lot of eight issues, one from each decade from the 1730's thru 1809. A nice group of complete issues covering a period of 80 years, each with full title/contents page which features an engraving of St. John's Gate. Each is complete, but may exclude plates/maps (if called for). Nice condition.

FOG'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, Jan. 31, 1731 A quite rare title from England with a very early date and a partial red tax stamp in a lower corner of the front page. Various news of the day both from England and the rest of Europe.
Four pages, approximately 10 by 13 inches, a bit of foxing, overall very good. The image shown is only representative of the look (format) and condition of the issue you will receive.  Actual dates vary, but will be dated in 1731.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1731 This was the very first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, and also the very first general interest magazine in the world--and this is from the very first year of its existence. 
This title began in 1731 and ran through 1907.
Most of the issue is taken up with: "A View of the Weekly Essays in this Month" which as a report of items in the various newspapers of the day, including The Free Briton, The Grub Street Journal, the Universal…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1737  There are two reports in this issue concerning America, one headed: "An American Story" which concerns Mexico. The other is the King of Spain's order to his governors in America.
Among the other articles noted in the table of contents are: "The Salt Tax a Heavy Burden" "Taxes Mortgaged to the South Sea Company Most Grievous" "A Mathematical Problem & two Others Solved" and more.
Near the back is a section headed: "Historical Chronicle" with news…

Large sheepskin document from England "This Indenture" in ornate lettering at the top with engravings within, dated near the top: "...in the year of or Lord one thousand seven hunbdred and forty-two..." followed by various details. There are five red wax seals next to signatures at the bottom.
This is an unusual two page document with a blue embossed tax stamp in the margin on each.
This document folds out to measure 22 by 29 inches. Several folds, very handsome handwriting, nice condition. A…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1748  The issue begins with an: "Extract of a Letter Giving an Account of a Survey of the N. West Coast of England..." with a small print on page 4.
Also in this issue: "Of the Invention of Shorthand" with a full page of characters of words; "An Anti-Jacobite's Creed, Alluding to Indiscriminate Charges in the Jacobite Journal" "The Importance of Nova Scotia" and much more.
The map called for is lacking.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, full…

(10) THE LONDON GAZETTE, a lot of ten issues of this famous newspaper covering at least 5 decades from the 1700's.  All are in good condition.  A nice way to gain Britain's perspective of world affairs from the 18th century. The image shown is representative of the "look" of what you will receive. Actual issues/dates will vary.

LLOYD'S EVENING POST & BRITISH CHRONICLE, London, Sept. 30, 1757  Nearly 2 pages are taken up with a: "Continuation of the Contest in American Between Great Britain and France..." ..."A Triple Union of Our Colonies in North America Proposed, to Retrieve our Present Losses & to Prevent the Like for the Future" which continues in a future issue.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, loss at the back leaf spine margin does not affect text, very nice condition.

(5) THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, late 1750's  A very early lot of five newspapers from Scotland, with news of the day.  A great period set at a considerable discount from the regular per-issue price. Nice condition.  The images shown are representative of the look and condition of those you will receive.  Actual dates vary in the later 1750's.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 3, 1758  Two inside pages have reports from America, both with close to half a column of text concerning the French & Indian War.
One includes: "Three thousand troops are sailed from Philadelphia, 3000 from Boston...with all the implements of war...20,000 provincials and 8000 regulars march against Ticonderoga; about 1500 regulars; and 6000 provincials march against Fort Du Quesne...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, great condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 19, 1759  Nearly half of an inside page is taken up with reports headed "America" with datelines from Philadelphia and New York with much of the reporting on events in the Caribbean and Canada.
One report notes: "Extract of a letter from Fort Frederick, St. John's...Lieut. Hazzen [Hazen] of the rangers came in from a scout...brought in with him six French scalps and six prisoners...has been to St. Ann's... where it was expected he would have found a strong…

(5) An interesting lot of five British newspapers, containing at least three different titles. They span the 1760's thru the 1790's and include at least one from each decade. In average or better condition. Some may have red ink stamps (partial or otherwise). Certainly a one-of-a-kind grouping. The photos are representative of the look and condition of what you will receive.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 7, 1763  Inside has a report headed: "America" with a dateline of Charleston, beginning: "Monday last arrived here 69 Irish Protestants from Belfast to settle in this province..." with more (see). The bkpg. has a short item concerning Rev. George Whitefield, signed in type by: John Wesley.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, minor foxing to the front page, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 18, 1764  Page 3 has a report headed: "America" with datelines from New York and Boston, one report noting: "...Andrew Elliott, Esq., who is appointed collector of his Majesty's Customs..." with more.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 19, 1765  Page 5 includes news from Charleston that: "...an Indian belonging to one of the parties of Cherokees which went out against the enemy Indians last summer...was taken by the enemy Indians...On the night foxed for committing him to the flames, he happily made his escape & got back to the Cherokee nation...he was carried to a good French settlement where he remains during the whole time of his captivity...the French gave them strong talks, with guns,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 13, 1766,  Most of page 6 is taken up with various reports from America, mostly from South Carolina, and much of it relates to the Stamp Act. There is some reporting on stamp distributors refusing to do their work, one bit notes: "...Mr. Caleb Lloyd, appointed by the Hon. the Commissioners of the Stamp Office...to be distributor of stamp papers in this province, has signified to me ...that he is determined to adhere to his public declaration, not to issue…

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England, 1769 (currently spelled Gloucester). Here is a very nice, four page issue from just a few years before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in the colonies. This issue has a very nice & decorative masthead featuring engravings on either side. The front page also has a red-inked tax stamp. This issue contains various news of the day and a wealth of ads as well. The photo is generic but the actual issue you receive will look almost identical and be from 1769.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE FOR THE YEAR 1767, London. This is the "supplemental" issue published at the end of the year and having on the front page the table of contents and the title.
Within are articles including: "A Remarkable Lawsuit on a Case of Gaming" "Strictures Upon the Game Laws"  "Edicts in France Against Gaming" and an interesting article: "Remarks on the Boston Association" which includes: "...It would be to no purpose at present to renew a discussion of the merits of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1775  The first five pages contain a lengthy report on: "...address to his Majesty respecting the Situation of Affairs in America" which includes: "...The army might proceed to hostilities, it might be defeated, the Americans might prevail, we might be for ever stripped of the sovereignty of that country..." with so much more.
There is a review of a publication: "Taxation No Tyranny: an Answer to the Resolutions and Address of the American Congress" which…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 4, 1775  This is a wonderful issue with a wealth of news reports on the historic Battle of Bunker Hill.
All related reports--and there are many--are shown in the photos, however a few bits extracted from them include: "...The prevailing opinion is, that Boston is destroyed before this time. Whether the general chuse to march out or not, the Americans will decide their fate...The other provinces will all join the Massachusetts in good earnest. The army…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, August 22, 1775  Page 3 has a letter from New York which includes: "...wait upon our Provincial Congress now sitting in this city with the news that the Indian nations are determined not to act against the Colonies...that even the Canadian Indians are our friends...A regular army of 70,000 men is to be immediately raised; all ranks of people are in arms. Seventeen regular companies are already formed in this city who have no pay & provide themselves with…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY Etc., Worcester, Nov. 6, 1776  This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era.
It is worth noting that the famed printer Isaiah Thomas was the publisher, having begun this newspaper in 1770. An ardent patriotic, as the previous extended title to his newspaper would suggest: "...Or American Oracle of Liberty", Thomas was a constant target of the Royalist government. He began…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 27, 1777 A page 2 item notes: "...the cruisers from this island (Antigua) have been very successful against the Americans & almost knocked up their trade by the many captures they have taken."
An inside page has some reports from America, and another page includes: "...a provincial Captain named Martinhad, near Morristown, been shot by a scouting party of the Rebels who mistook him for an English officer." The back page has reporting from the House of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, June, 1777  Nearly five pages are taken up with: "Debate in the House of Lords...Relative to the American War" which obviously has much concerning the Revolution, including reference to America declaring itself independent.
Another page has a "Proclamation" signed in type by William Howe, from New York, on "...Restoring peace to the colonies..."  which is good reading. Near the back is a great & detailed: "Extract of a letter from Howe to Germaine" from…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 11, 1777  Nearly half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Revolutionary War, a few bits of which include: "...that Gen. Howe had landed the 16th at Baltimore & proceeded to...40 miles from Philadelphia where General Washington's army was encamped...that General Clinton was setting out on an expedition supposed for North River...the rebel general Sullivan had landed on Staten Island & retreated next morning with the loss of 900 men...another…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1778  An inside page has a graphic depiction of a: "Plan of the Encampment of a Battalion of Six Companies of Infantry" with related text. An article reports on Burgoyne and the charge against him of: "...employing savages...ever esteemed the Indian alliances, at best, a necessary evil..." with more.
Another page has "Gen. Washington's Letter to Gen. Burgoyne" signed in type: Geo. Washington. This is followed by a report concerning military actions in the…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779  A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years, from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This issue has much fine war content.
Page 3 has: "...a letter from his Excellency General Washington, to the Hon. Major-General Gates..." which mentions in part: "Gen. Sullivan arrived...at Tioga without loss or opposition. On the 13th he destroyed Chemung [Pa.] with all its plantations...The…

THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Oct. 16, 1779  The front page has an item beginning: "General Washington to his army lately gave notice in orders in the following sentence: Holland yields us every aid we ask in the commercial line, and there are reasons to believe the period is not far distant when she will acknowledge our Independence...". And further on is: "...was reported yesterday that a Spanish Ambassador is now preparing to set out in great pomp for America; he is to go in a man of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780  The first article has: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.
Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure from hence...the longest & most severe winter that was ever remembered...horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the…