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In an age before mass media such as radio, television, and the Internet, print was the primary form of mass communication in the 18th century. While other forms of communication such as oratory (public speeches, sermons, etc) and handwritten documents such as diaries, letters, and business records were widespread, print was the primary means to spread information to the public. Print sources included formats such as broadsides, handbills, published letters, pamphlets, newspapers, forms, picture prints, books, and magazines. Many editions of some popular printed items were produced in different cities in the colonies as well as in Britian (and vice versa), demonstrating communication and cultural exchange between the colonies and the mother country (Britain). In addition, popular English-language publications were sometimes printed in German for German-American populations living in colonies such as Pennsylvania.
In an age before mass media such as radio, television, and the Internet, print was the primary form of mass communication in the 18th century. While other forms of communication such as oratory (public speeches, sermons, etc) and handwritten documents such as diaries, letters, and business records were widespread, print was the primary means to spread information to the public. Print sources included formats such as broadsides, handbills, published letters, pamphlets, newspapers, forms, picture prints, books, and magazines. Many editions of some popular printed items were produced in different cities in the colonies as well as in Britian (and vice versa), demonstrating communication and cultural exchange between the colonies and the mother country (Britain). In addition, popular English-language publications were sometimes printed in German for German-American populations living in colonies such as Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia was the major hub of colonial America in many respects, including print culture. William Rittenhouse established the first American paper mill in nearby Germantown, and prominent early American print magantes like Benjamin Franklin called Philadelphia home. The city also housed a massive population, a notable number of which were educated or at least literate, who were interested in reading the print products. These newspapers were the primarly vehicle for political events, military interventions, incoming shipments of goods, real estate sales and auctions, and even runaway slave reward postings. Newspapers thrived in colonial and early republic Philadelphia, each unique for their particular area served, political alignment, language, special interests served, frequency of publication, etc.
"Benjamin Franklin, Printer, Philadelphia" - Source: Library of Congress
As the foremost repository for Pennsylvania's newspapers, the State Library of Pennsylvania houses a sizeable collection of these colonial newspapers of the Commonwealth, from Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. The full holdings of the Pennsylvania Gazette and the Pennsylvania Evening Post at the State Library of Pennsylvania have been digitized for free public consumption, and the 1787 holdings of the Pennsylvania Packet have been digitized to highlight the United States Constitution.
In the 18th century the same content might be printed at various times and places for a variety of reasons. Due to limitations in copyright laws and a reluctance by printers to invest too much material and labor into printing large numbers of the same item, another printer in another location may print the same content for sale to their local population. This can be see in three different printings or editions of the same political pamphlet seen below printed in Philadelphia, Watertown, Massachusetts, and London, England. In other cases a work in one language might be printed as a translation into another language so that other cultures could read the same message.
These videos provide a view of 18th century print culture and production methods for print materials. Many different people and trades contributed to producing reading and writing materials, from paper mills producing paper and cardboard to decorative papermakers, type founders, inkmakers, printers, engravers, bookbinders, and booksellers. Other indirect trades included spinners providing thread, toolmakers providing specialty tools, tanners providing leather hides, and even miners and quarrymen providing lead for type and slates for school children to write on.
Decorative papers such as marbled, paste, or block-printed papers were used by the bookbinder as cover or end papers for books and pamphlets. Techniques varied depending on the type of paper produced. Decorative papers were also used in the 18th century as linings for boxes or trunks used to store personal effects.
Did you know that several common expressions derive from the print industry? Examples include:
Have you heard these expressions? What do you think they meant in the 18th century versus today?
Did you know that the "f" you may think you see in 18th century words such as "Congreſs" or "Purſuit of Happineſs" is actually a stylized long "s" or ſ and not an "f" at all. Look closely and you will see that the long "s" or ſ as it appears does not have the dash seen in a real "f" Read more about this here
Did you know that several common expressions derive from the print industry? Examples include:
Have you heard these expressions? What do you think they meant in the 18th century versus today?
Did you know that the "f" you may think you see in 18th century words such as "Congreſs" or "Purſuit of Happineſs" is actually a stylized long "s" or ſ and not an "f" at all. Look closely and you will see that the long "s" or ſ as it appears does not have the dash seen in a real "f" Read more about this here
