THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, January, 1738

* Secrets of the Masons revealed

Certainly the most interesting article within this issue is one titled: "The Liberty of the Press" which takes about 1 1/2 pgs. This report concerns the famous libel trial of newspaperman John Peter Zenger, publisher of the New York Weekly Journal. It was his trial  which was the landmark case which gave America freedom of the press. Near the end of the report is: "...This speech, together with his other pleadings, had such an effect upon the jury that they took but little time to consider of their verdict, and brought in Mr. Zenger NOT GUILTY, upon which  there were three great Huzzas in the hall by a crowded audience..." with more. There is also mention of his famous attorney, Andrew Hamilton.

Among the other articles noted in the table of contents are:

"Bigotry the Bane of Virtue" "Method to find the Latitude & Longitude at Sea" "Whether there is a Local Heaven and Hell" "Whether a Necessity of Capital Punishment" "Galileo Grown Old in the Inquisition" and more.

Near the back is a section headed: "Historical Chronicle" with news from England & other parts of Europe. One of the articles, which takes over a full page, is from Paris and is headed: "The Secret of the Order of Free Masons & the Ceremonies Observed at the Reception of Members into it" (see photos for portions) which is a great & early Masonic article.
The back page has 2 small ads for the printing of a book on the John Peter Zenger libel trial (see).
Complete in 56 pgs. Measures about 5 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches; in good condition.
There are no plates or maps called for in this issue.

A very nice pre-Revolutionary War magazine from the "mother country" with a wide range of varied content including news of the day, political reports, literary items, and other unusual tidbits. This was the first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, having begun in 1731 and lasting until 1907.