MERCURIOUS POLITICUS, London, April 28, 1659

* Rare British newsbook

Here is an uncommon title in newsbook format (the forerunner of newspapers): "Comprising The sum of Foreign Intelligence, with the Affairs now on foot in the Three Nations Of England, Scotland, & Ireland For Information of the People."
Most of the news in this issue is from the major cities in Europe, including, from "Madrid", talk about the Silver Fleet: "We have nothing yet to say concerning our Silver fleet which we have so long expected from the West-Indies. If it be so, that some of the English in those parts did meet them at Sea, and cause them to return to Havanna, then that may be the reason of this delay, which makes the hearts of many to take." An inside page has: "A Proclamation about Dissolving Parliament", the text in Old English type.

On another page is a report: "An Account of the Arrival and State of our Fleet in the Sound."

Measures about 8 1/4 by 6 1/4 inches, 16 pgs., has lite rubbing on the ftpg; also, has a 3/4 inch hole in the last leaf, otherwise good.