Historic Newspapers: M. Twain & C. Dickens

NEW YORK MIRROR, Aug. 20, 1836  "A Weekly Journal Devoted To Literature & the Fine Arts" as noted in the masthead. A rather common title, but this is among the first we've encountered that has never been bound and trimmed and still has the original green outer wrappers.
Eight pages plus the wrappers, some archival mends to interior pages, nice condition.

Background:The New-York Mirror was a leading literary and arts-focused weekly newspaper in New York City from 1823 to 1842, co-founded by…

THE ALBION, New York, Dec. 1, 1838  Page 2 contains a lengthy article, taking over half the page, headed "Dickens's Tales" which begins: "Mr. Charles Dickens, the author of the above works, is the most popular writer of the day..." with much more (see photos). You get the complete 8 page issue, a bit irregular at the spine, a bit of scattered browning, generally quite nice.

THE MADISONIAN, Washington City, Washington, September 18, 1839 

* Charles Dickens... 
* Uncommon title... 

Page 3 has a short item reading: "Mr. Charles Dickens, the immortal Boz, has announced, through his publishers, Messrs. Chapman and Hall, another new periodical work of humor, to appear on the 1st of August next! The name is of course kept a profound mystery." 

The front page has a poem by W. C. Bryant titled "August".

A few ink spots to the back leaf not close to the…

THE NEW WORLD, New York, May 22, 1841 

* Charles Dickens
* African slave trade

Primarily a literary newspaper with several pages containing a chapter of "Barnaby Rudge, by Charles Dickens". The back page has a brief article: "Slavers Captured" which mentions: "...with upwards of one thousand slaves on board..." (see).
Sixteen pages, 10 by 14 1/2 inches, nice condition.

SALEM REGISTER, Salem, Massachusetts, Feb. 3, 1842  Page 2 includes a letter concerning "Temperance" signed in type by: John Tyler, followed by a letter signed in type by: Charles Dickens, prefaced with: "Mr. Dickens believes in Animal Magnetism. Here is the evidence..." (see photos).
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, some light dirtiness or staining, generally good.

THE WEEKLY HERALD, New York, March 12, 1842  

* Author Charles Dickens
* First tour of America 

The front page has among some one-column heads: "Three Important Matters--Arrival of Charles Dickens (Boz) and Lady..." with the article beginning: "The distinguished lion of literature, Charles Dickens, accompanied by his beautiful lady, arrived in our city yesterday afternoon from Philadelphia..." with more on his visit and comments on his wife as well.
Eight pages, very nice condition.

Background: The…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, May 21, 1842  Pages 2, 3 & 4 contain a great deal on the Dorr Rebellion, including a lengthy "statement" to President John Tyler concerning the state of affairs in Rhode Island as a result of the Dorr Rebellion, with his response signed in type: John Tyler. Including as well are documents from R.I. governor Samuel W. King, as well as two letters signed in type by Thomas W. Dorr himself.
Elsewhere is a fine letter signed by: Charles Dickens concerning the…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, May 21, 1842 

* Dorr Rebellion - Rhode Island arsenal attack

Pages 2, 3 & 4 contain a great deal on the Dorr Rebellion, including a lengthy "statement" to President John Tyler concerning the state of affairs in Rhode Island as a result of the Dorr Rebellion, with his response signed in type: John Tyler. Including as well are documents from R.I. governor Samuel W. King, as well as two letters signed in type by Thomas W. Dorr himself.
Else where is a…

AI ANGLO SACSUN, New York, May 29, 1847  

* Promoting the spelling of words phonetically

Here is one of the more fascinating newspapers that was in the private collection.
This newspaper--which is volume 1, number 11--attempted to exploit a movement to spell words phonetically, just as they sounded. So their motto in the dateline is: "Devoted Tu Ai Difyushun ov Nolej and Nuz, Tru Ai Medium of Fonotipi, or the Tru System ov Spelin Wurdz As Iz, Just Az ae are Pronnst." (difficult to translate as…

BOSTON MUSEUM, May 18, 1850   Page 6 has: "A Short Story by Dickens" contained here in its entirety (see). The back page has over 2 column headed: "Arrival of Three California Steamers" with much news from there including much on gold mining. 
Eight pages, decorative masthead, very nice condition.

THE GREENSBOROUGH PATRIOT, (Greensboro), North Carolina, June 8, 1850 

* Rare Antebellum publication

Rarely are we able to secure antebellum newspapers from this city.
Most of the front page is taken up with the printing of the short story: "Lizzie Leigh, by Charles Dickens" this being chapter 2 (of 4).
Four pages, very condition.

HOUSEHOLD WORDS, London, England, Dec. 14, 1850

* Charles Dickens publication

This 24 page issue is in nice condition and measures 6 x 9 inches. This was a weekly journal which was conducted by Charles Dickens as noted in the masthead. This magazine has mainly literary reading (stories, poems etc.), some by Charles Dickens himself.

Background: The historical significance of Household Words lies in its role as a bridge between the high-brow Victorian literary world and the emerging mass-market…

Literary Collection I

Literary Collection I Variety Set - Over 50 years of the literary press spanning the Turn of the Century. A set of 5 literary issues containing one each from the 1850's, 1860's-1870's, 1880's-1890's, 1900's-1910's, and 1920's-1930's. Titles include Household Words (edited by Charles Dickens), Outlook, Atlantic Monthly, Scribners, and Harpers Monthly. This is a great way to follow the progression of literary history and technique covering over half a century!

HOUSEHOLD WORDS, London, 1851-1853  Charles Dickens published this magazine from 1850 to 1859. Having been frustrated by the interference of publishers when editing three other magazines, Dickens determined that he would have a free hand on "Household Words". Dickens directed every aspect of the magazine's production. He wrote for the magazine, solicited contributions and revised and corrected the works of others. Dickens made sure that the opinions expressed in every article conformed to the…

HOUSEHOLD WORDS, London, 1851-1853  Charles Dickens published this magazine from 1850 to 1859. Having been frustrated by the interference of publishers when editing three other magazines, Dickens determined that he would have a free hand on "Household Words". Dickens directed every aspect of the magazine's production. He wrote for the magazine, solicited contributions and revised and corrected the works of others. Dickens made sure that the opinions expressed in every article conformed to the…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., July 24, 1852  

* Charles Dickens speech

Page 3 has a report prefaced with: 'Mr. Charles Dickens has been discoursing very eloquently about flowers at the ninth anniversary of the Gardener's Royal Benevolent institution. We give a short extract from his beautiful address:..." followed by the talk.
Also within: "From Southern California" being a report from San Francisco; and also: "The Fire At Sonora".
Four pages, good condition.

From the 1840's, 1850's, and 1860's...

The Charles Dickens Collection - This three issue set features one issue edited by Charles Dickens (either Household Words or All The Year Round from the 1860's), one issue of The ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS from the Dickens Era (1850's), and one issue of The Times (London) from the Dickens Era (1840's), providing a contextual background for the work of this literary giant!

Bound volume of  the periodical "HOUSEHOLD WORDS conducted by Charles Dickens" (as noted in the masthead of each issue), London, containing 26 weekly issues dating from March 5, 1853 thru Aug. 27, 1853.
Household Words was published every Saturday from March 1850 to May 1859. Theoretically the paper championed the cause of the poor and working classes, but in fact it addressed itself almost exclusively to the middle class. The journal contained a mixture of fiction and nonfiction. A large…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Jan. 21, 1856  Most of page 3 is taken up with a portion of the serialization of Charles Dickens' famous work "Little Dorrit".
Page 5 has two columns taken up with an interesting report headed: "The Wakemanites - The Murderers of Matthews Indicted - Revelations of 'The Prophetess' - Full Statement Of Her Doctrines".
The Wakemanites were a cult in New Haven, Connecticut led by Rhoda Wakeman, who identified as a prophetess returned from the dead. The followers killed a farmer…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 10, 1857  The 2nd issue ever published. The only illustrations are a few small scenes from Paraguay, as few issues from the first year had many prints. Please see photos for details.
Complete in 16 pages, in very good condition (as shown), and contains additional prints and related text.

HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE, New York, March, 1857.  Simply a great issue. Included are the following: ae early (pre-book) serialized portion of "Little Dorrit", by Charles Dickens, a lengthy tribute to the famed Samuel Johnson (taking more than 10 pages), and detailed, illustrated descriptions of both Albany, New York and multiple regions of North Carolina. See images for details.
Complete in 150+ pages, disbound without wrappers. A Reader's Digest-sized issue, minor spotting on the front…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 23, 1857  One page has: 'The Quarantine Station, Staten Island' 'Map of New York Bay' 'Site of the Proposed Fever Station, Sequine's Point, Staten Island.' with accompaning article. Eight illustrations of a journey in 'Zulu Land - A Journey Thither', one showing an African's leg being eaten by an alligator.
An article entitled "The Nicaraguan Leaders" features four illustrations of "Gen. William Walker, of Nicaragua", "Captain Farnum", "General Henningsen" and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 26, 1857  This issue contains the first report of 'The "Central America", the great ship wreck: "...The catastrophe which we all deplore -- which in the midst of panic strikes a deeper thrill... we can only sympathize and bow in humility, confessing human weakness, and saying, 'Thy will be done!'"
The front page features an article and illustration: 'A Haunt of Fashion' showing a fancy dress ball. 'The Fifth Exhibition of the United Sates Agricultural…

Harper's Weekly set of 5 issues, dated weekly from October 31, 1857 through November 28, 1857, all featuring a serialized portion of "The Lazy Tour Of The Two Idle Apprentices", by Charles Dickens.  This is a great way to purchase the entire series, all five issues, for more than 20% off the single issue price.  The issues are individually described as follows:

Harper's WEEKLY, New York, Oct. 31, 1857 The front page shows: 'The Dry Goods Epidemic, Broadway at Three p.m.' Over one-third page…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Oct. 31, 1857  The front page shows: 'The Dry Goods Epidemic, Broadway at Three p.m.' Over one-third page shows: 'Run on the Seamen's Savings' Bank During the Panic', in Wall Street. Two pages with five illustrations: 'What to See at Manilla' in the Philippines. 'Travel Notes in Bible Lands' features several small illustrations and a nearly half-page "Beitedin - in Mount Lebanon - Residence of the Druse Emir". A full page article with several illustrations entitled…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 7, 1857  The front page features an article "Peace and War" and has two illustrations "What the United States Soldiers are Doing" and "What the British Soldiers are Doing". A full page shows six different Shawl fashion illustrations.  Full page: 'At The Polls' shows a scene at the election polls. Two half page scenes of election day on the streets. "The War in India" features two illustrations.
"The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices" by Charles Dickens, the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 14, 1857  Front half page illustration of "The Sovereigns at the Theatre at Stuttgardt" with an accompanying article.
Inside contains two large illustrations of "Rev. Charles Haddon Spurgeon" and "Rev. Charles Haddon Spurgeon Preaching to Thirty Thousand People at the Crystal Palace, England." Also inside, two illustrations pertaining to "Travel Notes in Bible Lands" including "Doorway to the Great Temple at Baalbec" and " Ruins of Baalbec, the City of the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 21,1857  Large front page illustration of "Hon. Nathaniel P. Banks, Governor Elect of Massachusetts." Inside is a text article "More Filibusterism in Nicaragua" pertaining to.. "General William Walker, late President of Nicaragua, has left New Orleans with four hundred men to renew the struggle in that republic."
Inside contains a large map: "Plan of the City of Delhi and the British Beleaguering Camp". Also a nearly full page illustration of "English…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 28, 1857  The front page article: 'Dr. Livingstone's Discoveries in Africa' includes a nice nearly half-page illustration of the famous 'The Victoria Falls of the Leeambye or Zambesi River, Called by the Natives Mosyoatunyo (Smoke-Sounding)'.
A text article "The Mormon War" which is dealing with the quarrel over hostility committed by the Mormons on the October 9, 1857.  Two other text articles "The War in Utah - Brigham Young's Declaration of War" and "The…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 23, 1858  Page 2 has two-thirds of a column taken up with a report headed: "The Mormons Flight and the Mormon Future--A New Power Among the Nations of Earth". The report begins by reflecting upon the founding of the Mormons noting: "...announcing the appearance & character of their 'Golden Bible' as the book was for a while commonly called...reference to the 'Golden plates' from which it was alleged to have been 'translated'...the rough & ready manner in which Brigham…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 26, 1858   The front page shows: 'Most Reverend John Hughes, Archbishop of New York'. An article "Emigrants, and Emigrant Life" features two pages with five illustrations, one which is a 3/4 page illustrations entitled: 'Departure From Home'. Great fullpg: 'Attack on Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island South Carolina, on June 28, 1776' and another great fullpg: 'The Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, on June 28, 1778' showing Washington on horseback, among others.…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 11, 1858  The front page features a full page illustration entitled 'The Atlantic Cable Celebration--The Niagaras in Broadway'. Inside an half page illustration 'The Ruins of the Quarantine Establishment, on Staten Island'. Two more full page illustrations on celebrations for the Atlantic Cable completion, including: 'Firemen Lighting their Torches in Union Square' and 'Presentation to Cyrus W. Field in the Crystal Palace'. An article "Cherbourg" with…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 1, 1859  Half front page illustration 'I Wish You a Happy New Year' accompanies the poem of the same title. Written text on the purchasing of Mount Vernon. Full page illustrations entitled: 'New Year's Day In New York 1859'; "New-Year's Day in New Amsterdam in the Old Dutch Times"; "Divine Service Being Held in the Academy of Music at New York on Sunday Evenings"; "Divine Service being Performed in St. Paul's, London, England, for the First Time". A quarter…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 8, 1859  Part of the front page contains an illustration of the 'Statue of Senator Douglas' along with a illustration of "John Bright, Esq., Member of the British Parliament". Article "General Jackson's Duel with Dickinson" with illustrations. This issue also contains two text articles on Charles Dickens. A fullpage illustration on "The Steamship 'Ariel' in the Trough of the Sea -- the Death of Captain Ludlow"; a 3/4 page "The Death of Captain Ludlow" and a…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 22, 1859  Front 1/2 page illustration of "Shipwrecked Sailors of the 'Margaret Tyson' on the Ship's House." A text article "Is Charles Dickens Coming to This Country?"  Inside includes many illustration pertaining to "The Loss of the Steamer 'C. Vanderbilt'" including "The Passengers in the Relief House," "The Journey Across the Island," "Landing in the Surf," and "The 'C. Vanderbilt' Ashore on Fisher's Island." Two 1/2 page illustrations of "Appearance of a…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 30, 1859 Halfpg: 'Proposed Balloon Railway Up Mt. Rhigi, Switzerland'. Nice fullpg: 'May-Day In The City'. Also a full page Winslow Homer print: "May Day In The Country". Additional illustrations, articles and advertisements.
Complete in sixteen pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 14, 1859  Illustrations include: 'Plan of the Fortification of Vera Cruz', 'Struggle with a Buck' and 'Panther Hunting in Africa' and a great full page view of: 'The Flood in the Mississippi' plus another full page on the 'Fireworks at the Brooklyn City Hall'.  This issue also contains a serialized portion of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. The back page political cartoon entitled "The American Student at Oxford" features one of the characters entitled…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 21, 1859  The front half  page illustration of "The Departure of Italian Volunteers from Leghorn." An inside 1/4 page illustration of "The Late Bishop Doane." A 1/4 page illustration of "Library of the New York Law Institute."
A continuation of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens including a few illustrations pertaining to this story. A 1/4 page illustration of "Victor Emanuel, King of Sardinia" and "Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria." Three 1/3 page…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 28, 1859  The front page features a small illustration of "The Late Baron Humboldt", a nearly half page illustration of "Humboldt in His Study at Berlin" as well as a small "Baron Humboldt's Autograph".  Full page: 'Ye Abolitionists in Council--Ye Orator of Ye Day Denouncing Ye Union, May, 1859' shows a preacher and includes many blacks in the audience. This print is somewhat comic in nature. A doublepage centerfold shows 'A New Map of Northern and Central Italy,…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 4, 1859  The front page features a quarter page illustration of "Stripping the Dead" and 1/2 page illustration of "Massacre at Tacubaya, Mexico, on April 11, 1859." Inside two illustrations pertaining to "The French Army in Northern Italy" including "Zouaves Leaving Versailles by Torch Light for the Seat of War" and "Arrival of French Troops in Piedmont." A 1/2 page illustration of "The City of Turin, Piedmont." Large illustration spanning across the bottom of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 11, 1859  The front page shows: 'The Talking Fish' and 'The Fighting Tiger of King of Oude'. A full page illustration of 'Ye May Session of Ye Woman's Rights Convention' [Mozart Hall in New York City]. Several illustrations regarding the war in Europe. Text and 3 illustrations on 'The Floating Hospital in the Lower Bay' [New York]. The back page features comic illustrations. This issue also contains a serialized portion of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 18, 1859 Two front 1/4 page illustrations of "General Garibaldi" and "Garibaldi's Chasseurs of the Alps." are featured on the front page. Inside pertaining to "The War in Europe" including "The French Army Marching Through a Sardinian Fortified Place Toward the Austrian Lines" and "The Emperor of Austria and His Generals."
Four large illustrations pertaining to "The Great Balloon Voyage from St. Louis to New York" including: "The "Atlantic" Balloon in which the…

"A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens...

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 25, 1859 The front page features a three-quarter page illustration 'Queen Victoria and Her Family at Osborne'. A full page: 'Collision Between the Steamship Edinburgh and an Iceberg, 180 miles from Newfoundland, on June 6, 1859'. 'The Battle of Montebello--Zouaves Charging through the Streets' plus other scenes regarding the battles in Italy. This issue also contains a serialized portion of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens.
Complete in 16 pages, in…

A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dicken...

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 2, 1859  The front page features two nearly half page illustrations entitled 'The Imperial Army Printing Press' and "The Emperor's Camp Tent". A full page illustration entitled 'The Four Mile Heat, On Eclipse Course, Long Island' is about Horse Racing.  Full page illustrations are entitled 'Visit of the Emperor Napoleon to the Wounded in the Voghera Hospitals' and 'The Empress Eugene Presiding at the State Council at the Tuileries'. This issue also contains a…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 9, 1859  A front page half page illustration of "Fire in the Fourth." Inside includes a full page illustration of "Gignoux's Niagara - The Property of Hon. August Belmont" (Lighthouse). This features the continuation of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. A nearly doublepage map of "Sardinia, Piedmont, Savoy, Parma, and Modena." A nearly full page illustration of "The Charge of the Zouaves at the Battle of Palestro."
Sixteen pages, in good condition, and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 16, 1859  The front page of features a half page: "Scene on the Morning After the late Terrible Accident on the Michigan Southern Railroad" and a 1/4 page illustration "Marshal Macmahon". Inside includes a full page: "The War in Italy - the Emperor Napoleon at the Battle of Magenta" and a very dramatic doublepage centerfold: "Fireworks at New York on the Evening of the 4th of July, as Seen From Brooklyn Heights" which shows the New York City skyline. 
This…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 23, 1859  Inside the issue includes two 1/2 page maps of "Venice" and "Verona." The doublepage centerfold of "The Battle of Malegnano, Fought June 8, 1859." A 1/2 page illustration of "A Zouave Charge on the Bank of the Mincio." QUARTER page illustration of "Marshal Schlick, Commanding 1st and 2nd Austrian Armies in Italy." Continuation of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. Advertisement in back 'Dred Scott Decision. Opinion of Chief-Justice Roger B.…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 30, 1859  The front page features a half page illustration of "The Late Prince Metternich" with an accompanying article. Inside contains a full page map of "The Seat of War in Italy, Showing the Famous Austrian Quadrilateral." The continuation of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. Two half page illustrations of "The Emperor Directing the Boltigeurs of the Guard to Take Solferino" and "The Battle of Solferino-General View" are featured in the doublepage…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 6, 1859  The front of the issue features a poem entitled "The Grandmother's Apology" by Alfred Tennyson with an illustration by Millais. Inside are 12 small illustrations of "Golden Images Found in Indian Graves in the Province of Chiriqui, New Granada." Two full page illustration of "A Day in the Country -The Picnic" and "A Day in the Country - At the Sea Side." Continuation of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens.
Sixteen pages, in good condition, and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 13, 1859  A nice front page illustration 'The Scene of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Utah Territory' with article as well. Nice full page with 3 illustrations of: 'The Pike's Peak Gold Mines'. A full page illustration of "The 'Battle of Magenta' at Jones's Wood, New York". A full page illustration is comprised of two half-page illustrations "The White Mountains - The Ride" and "The White Mountains - All Aboard!". This issue also contains a serialized portion…