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Genuine London Gazette newspaper from 1679...
Genuine London Gazette newspaper from 1679...
Item # 724522
March 04, 1679
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, March 4, 1679
* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something original in your hands from the 17th century
* Great 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 printed on very high quality paper with much cotton & linen fiber content.
The issue is filled with various news of the day from various cities in Europe, each report with its own dateline, and even includes a few "Advertisements" on the back page. Given its small size this would be a nice newspaper for framing & display with the 347 year old date prominent at the top. Nice condition.
AI notes: In 1679, the London Gazette functioned as the official newspaper of the English Crown under King Charles II, publishing twice weekly as a compact folio sheet that carried authoritative government communications rather than opinion or commentary. During this politically turbulent year—marked by the Popish Plot hysteria and the beginning of the Exclusion Crisis—the Gazette printed royal proclamations, parliamentary developments, diplomatic correspondence, military and naval updates, and formal notices of appointments, pardons, and state proceedings, presenting them in a concise, matter-of-fact style. Foreign intelligence, especially from France, the Dutch Republic, and Spain, featured prominently, reflecting England’s strategic concerns in Europe, while domestic entries often reported on court movements, security measures, and responses to alleged Catholic conspiracies. The publication avoided overt political argument, serving instead as a controlled channel of official information, reinforcing royal authority and shaping public awareness during a year that also saw the passage of the Habeas Corpus Act, a landmark statute strengthening protections against unlawful imprisonment.
Category: British
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$43.00
