THE POST BOY, London, Dec. 1, 1716 This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices.
A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead, which includes engravings of a post boy (messenger on horseback), and an angelic figure trumpeting the news, making it a visually striking and collectible newspaper.
The title reflected the era's reliance on actual post boys—horseback messengers who carried mail and news between post stages—for timely reporting.
A single sheet newspaper, 8 1/4 by 14 inches, very nice condition.

Background: The Post Boy was a London newspaper published in the early 18th century, known for its concise, single-sheet format printed on both sides and is notable for its lively masthead engravings Focused mainly on foreign news, war reports, and political developments, it was widely read in coffeehouses by merchants and politicians. Often aligned with government interests, it sometimes served as a vehicle for official viewpoints, particularly during events like the War of the Spanish Succession. Despite its brevity, The Post Boy played a key role in shaping early 18th-century public opinion and remains a valuable historical source.