1660 ENGLISH NEWSBOOK – PUBLISHED DURING THE COMMONWEALTH PERIOD!

1660-newsbook-page-one.jpgCHARLES STUART (SHORTLY TO BE KING CHARLES II) STILL IN HOLLAND
ISLAND OF JAMAICA “THRIVING”
FALSE PAMPHLETS PRINTED – CENSORSHIP TAKES PLACE!

Mercurius Politicus
London, England
March 22 to 29, 1660

Here is an extremely scarce early English newsbook printed at the end of the Commonwealth leading into the Restoration of Charles II and the English Monarchy. There is a short report stating that Charles Stuart was still in Holland (although he would shortly return to England after over a decade in exile and be crowned King Charles II following the Commonwealth Period under Oliver and Richard Cromwell.

The Diamond Frigate returned from Jamaica bringing letters from Governor Edward D’Oiley “….wherein he gives an Account of the healthfull thriving state and condition of our people in that Island, assuring that the English Interest would have been much more advanced in those parts of the World, had they not been prevented of the expected supplies, by reason of the successive alterations of the Supreame Power in England.”Reports from the West Indies (indeed, all of America) were scarce in early English news publications.  This weekly issue also contains a strict notice concerning “….many Scandalous and False Pamphlets….which are daily published…” From now on all pamphlets must gain Royal Authority first!

16 pp., octavo and in very nice condition with huge white borders.  Besides the above, there is news from France, Sweden and other nations in 1660. Newsbooks such as this one are becoming almost nonexistent. They are absolutely fascinating to hold in your hands and read over and over again!  This one is no exception.

$1,200

1660-newsbook-jamaica.jpg

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, European History