MERCURIUS CIVICUS: LONDON'S INTELLIGENCER or, Truth Impartially Related From Thence to the Whole Kingdome to prevent mis-information. England, May 29, 1645  Certainly one of the more rare "newsbooks" we have offered in several years, this was an English Civil War weekly newspaper which appeared from 1643 to 1646 published by John Wright & Thomas Bates. The front page was typically illustrated with a woodcut of some political or military leader's portrait as is the case with this issue, making it the first illustrated journal.
This top of the front page gives a synopsis of the content of these 8 pages, noting: "The storming of Evesham by Col. Massie and the Warwickshire foot, the Governour, 20 Captains, Lieutenants, and other officers, 320 house, and 500 men taken and slaine. The severall quarterings of His Majesties forces in Staffordshire, and how Capt. Stone Governour of Stafford fell again upon their quarters, took 20 horse and prisoners. The advance of the Scots threw Cumberland into Lancashire. The true state of Sir Tho. Fairfax's army before Oxford, and of the enemies damming up Maudlin bridge, & imprisoning all the well affected." The text within also includes several mention of Cromwell (see for photos of each page).
Complete in 8 pages, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to be one sheet measuring 12 by 15 1/2 inches, and nearly 6 by 8 when folded, with quite wide margins. In truly excellent condition.
A fine opportunity for a very rare title we have not offered in over ten years.