Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747  Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Polly Baker". This is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as confirmed by the Franklin Papers, Yale University. Quite noteworthy!
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Account of the Behaviour and Execution of the late Lord Lovat & some Further Particulars of his Life". Included are the details of his execution on…

Much on George Whitefield... Methodism...

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 23, 1700

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* From the turn of the 18th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches and…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 5, 1744  

* Rare colonial periodical 

This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival…

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, March 25, 1727  

* Death of Sir Issac Newton (very rare)

When it comes to notable deaths of the world, they don't get too much better than this.
Page 2 has a simple, yet powerful report noting simply: "Died, Sir Isaac Newton, the greatest Mathematician that the World ever knew."
Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author widely recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time and…

THE DAILY GAZETTEER, London, England, July 8, 1746 

* Era of the Jacobite Rebellion
* Rare 18th century publication
* The capture of Roderick MacNeil of Barra

Various European reports throughout with advertisements on the back page. The front page has some items relating to the Jacobite Rebellion - including, under "Scotland", the capture of Roderick MacNeil of Barra.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 9 1/2 by 14 1/4 inches, trimmed at the margins but not affecting any letters or words, nice…

THE EXAMINER, London, Oct. 12, 1713 

* Rare 18th century publication

This editorial-format newspaper was edited by the famed Jonathan Swift at this time (of Gulliver's Travels fame), It promoted a Tory perspective on British politics, at a time when Queen Anne had replaced Whig ministers with Tories.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper as was typical of the day, 7 1/2 by 13 inches, a little close cut along the bottom margin of the backside, nice condition.

background: The October…

THE HYP-DOCTOR, London, Oct. 9, 1733  

* Very rare 18th century publication

The title is an archaic phrase for a "hodgepodge of nonsense". This curious satirical paper published from 1730-1741, a pro-Walpole (first Prime Minister of Great Britain) newspaper created to oppose another British title "The Craftsman". It was published by John "Orator" Henley, a clergyman know for showmanship and eccentricity.
The focus is noted in the masthead: "A Letter From a Dissenter to the Craftsman, Occsion'd by…

THE POST-BOY, London, Dec. 19, 1713

* Nice masthead engravings
* Unique gift idea 

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,…

THE POST-BOY, London, Nov. 4, 1718  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…

THE POST-BOY, London, Oct. 11, 1718  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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1748  

* Great 18th century ship illustration

Certainly a prime feature is the terrific, full page illustration of: "A Ship Of War" with considerable detail, and with most of the facing page having the "Explanation to a Ship of War of the third Rate with Rigging, &c., at Anchor".
The "Explanation" numerically identifies 148 parts noted on the plates as well as 17 other features which are listed alphabetically. A terrific plate for display for any…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 23, 1700

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* From the turn of the 18th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4…

THE POST BOY, London, Sept. 13, 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…

LES ESTATS DE HOLLANDE, Amsterdam, August 2, 1746   

* Rare 18th century title
* Nice masthead

An uncommon title from Europe, having a nice engraving in the middle of the masthead and a decorative first initial on the ftpg. (see photos).  Written in French, with news reports from St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Paris, and elsewhere. Attached at the back is a single sheet "Suite Des Nouvelles D'Amsterdam" of the same date. Measures about 9 by 7 inches, nice condition, complete in 6 pgs. with…

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…

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 BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739  

* Extremely early & rare Colonial publication 

This is one of the most noted & long-lived American newspapers we have had the pleasure to offer, and is the earliest of this title we have offered. It began publishing in 1719 and existed thru 1798. It was founded by James Franklin, older brother of Ben Franklin and from whom Ben apprenticed in the printing business.
Brigham notes only 3 institutions have this date.
A handsome issue for display with…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1731  

* 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 so as to provide complete sets to customers as the success of the magazine grew, and based on the note at the bottom of the title/contents page this is the "Third Edition".
Most notable, and taking the entire first page, is an article in defense…

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 LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 28, 1701

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* At the turn of the 18th century - unique gift idea

This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches and printed on very…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1735 

* The speech of a free negro - Moses Bon Saam

Without question the most noteworthy item is the speech by Moses Bon Saam, a free negro from Jamaica, which takes about 3 columns.
Bon Saam wrote this speech to his followers, runaway slaves planning to organize their own independent society in the interior of Jamaica. Affirmations of racial pride & a rudimentary theory of Black Power are found in this speech. It remains curiously relevant nearly 300…

THE OLD WHIG, OR THE CONSISTENT PROTESTANT, London, Jan. 22, 1735-6  

* Very rare publication
* Early 18th century British original

By today's calendar this would be 1736.  This is a very rare title, publishing for only 4 years with various news reports from Europe.
Four pages, full red tax stamp on the front page, wide, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

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…

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735 

* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication

As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Colonies, and only the fourth newspaper published in all of the American…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1731  

* 18th century magician Isaac Fawkes
* Historical and law-treatise against Jews and Judaism
* re. the creation of the colony of Georgia 

There are several notable articles in this issue, including over a full page on: "...an Historical and Law-Treatise Against Jews and Judaism, published some years since."
Another significant item is one of the earliest reports to be had on what would be the creation of the Georgia colony, headed: "A true Account…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 5, 1707  

* "The Acts of Union" ratification
* The creation of "Great Britain"
* England & Scotland merger

The front page begins with an announcement from Whitehall, in London, dated May 1, stating: "This being the deay appointed for the General Thanksgiving for the happy Union of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, Her majesty went in a coach of state to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul...to return thanks to Almighty God for that great blessing..."…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1736  

* Coverting Jews - Jewish
* Oglethorpe at Savannah, Georgia
* Health conditions in Boston

An interesting article has: "A Remarkable Censure on the Present Translation of the Old Testament by Hugh Broughton, a Man so well Skill'd in the Hebrew that he Converted many Jews", with more.
Much content on the American colonies including: "The Deplorable State of our Sugar Colonies". Under the "Historical Chronicle" near the back are letters from…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1737  Among the articles noted in the table of contents are: "Some regular Troops necessary in a free Government against Civil Insurrections" "Tumults, How Best Suppressed" "Arbitrary Power the Consequence of Popery and the Jacobite Scheme" and more.
Near the back is a section headed: "Historical Chronicle" with news from England & other parts of Europe. Included is a report  which discusses the problem with pirates in the Caribbean, with the article…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1745  Over 1 1/2 pages are taken up with: "The Case of Carolina Consider'd, with Regard to its Danger of being Invaded, for want of Regular Forces...". This is a great article on the defense of the colonies.
Three-quarters of a page are taken up with: "A List of Privateers".
Among other articles are: "Speech on the Report of the Hanoverian Troops for 1744" which takes over 15 pages; "Plan for Establishing a National Militia" and: "An Alarm on Naval…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1745  Over 1 1/2 pages are taken up with: "The case of Carolina Consider'd, with Regard to its Danger of being Invaded, for want of Regular Forces...". This is a great article on the defense of the colonies. Three-quarters of a page are taken up with: "A List of Privateers".
Among other articles are: "Speech on the Report of the Hanoverian Troops for 1744" which takes over 15 pages; "Plan for Establishing a National Militia" and: "An Alarm on Naval…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1739  One of the articles is headed: "Continuation of the Dissertation begun in our Last Whether the Hebrews Borrow'd any Customs from the Heathens" which takes over 1 1/2 pages.
Another article has the: "Manifesto of the Catholick Majesty..."concerning a payment to the South Sea Tea Company.
Near the back is the: "Historical Chronicle" with news from England & other parts of Europe, which includes a rather lengthy account that tells of the…

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…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1747 (with map)

* Battle of Lauffeld (also Maastricht, or Val)
* Map of Maastricht, The Netherlands
* Coal mine fires

A nice feature is a foldout map titled: "A Plan of Maestricht, with the Adjacent Villages where the Battle was fought June 21...", which is in The Netherlands. The map shows considerable details - folding out to measure 8 by 10 inches.
Nearly five pages are taken up with a list of recently elected members to Parliament. A full…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), March 10, 1743,4  (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", this magazine is almost entirely taken up…

LES ETATS DE HOLLANDE [The States of Holland], Amsterdam, July 29, 1746  

* Rare 18th century title
* Nice masthead

An interesting, little newspaper from this Dutch city, printed in French, featuring an engraving in the middle of the masthead. At the back is the: "Suite Des Nouvelles d' Amsterdam" which would seem to be a supplemental sheet. Eight pages, 5 1/2 by 7 3/4 inches, great condition.

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 5, 1743  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, October 27, 1707  

* First Parliament of Great Britain 

A very historic issue as the front page reports on the very first session of Parliament of the newly-created Parliament of Great Britain which occurred on October 23. The union of England and Scotland was official several months previous by the ratification of the Acts of Union involving both England and Scotland.
The front page reports from Westminster, with an Oct. 23 dateline, the arrival of Queen…

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735  

* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication

As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Colonies, and only the fourth newspaper published in all of the American…

THE NEW YORK WEEKLY POST-BOY, Dec. 23, 1745  

* Very rare Colonial NYC publication
* 30 years prior to the Revolutionary War

As those who follow our offerings know, it is rare that we have the opportunity to offer American newspapers from the 1740's. Here is a very handsome issue from 1745 featuring a nicely engraved, well-inked coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead. 
The entire front page and over half of page 2 are taken with a report from the commander-in-chief of the province of…

THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1745  

* Very rare & early colonial magazine
* Great Boston masthead engraving

This is a very rare title, actually the first successful magazine in American history done in the traditional magazine format (Christian History preceded this by several years but was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening).
This magazine existed for about 3 years. Two previous attempts at a magazine in the colonies only lasted a few issues, one published by Ben…