Grub Street: The Origins of the British Press
Love it or loathe it, the British press stands out as a remarkable institution. Sometimes referred to as the fourth estate and accused of wielding power without responsibility, it has been a channel for the dissemination of information those at the top of the pyramid of power would rather stayed hidden. Often, though, it has also delighted in scraping the bottom of the public interest barrel, deliberately manipulating certain truths and revelling in gossip and scandal.But where did this naughty child start? Here, Ruth Herman takes the reader back to the early days of the British press. The book journeys through the unsuccessful attempts of the government to silence the writers and how the army of journalists found their feet and honed their craft. The book also looks at the personalities who wrote fearlessly and the role played by some of English literature’s most famous names. Printers and booksellers played a big part in the development of the press, and they are given their share of the limelight.There are stories of sedition and financial insider trading, and a look at the astonishing variety of content that appeared in these early periodicals. This included early examples of writing targeted at women, as well as the often bizarre early advertising that shared these same pages.
1133096681
Grub Street: The Origins of the British Press
Love it or loathe it, the British press stands out as a remarkable institution. Sometimes referred to as the fourth estate and accused of wielding power without responsibility, it has been a channel for the dissemination of information those at the top of the pyramid of power would rather stayed hidden. Often, though, it has also delighted in scraping the bottom of the public interest barrel, deliberately manipulating certain truths and revelling in gossip and scandal.But where did this naughty child start? Here, Ruth Herman takes the reader back to the early days of the British press. The book journeys through the unsuccessful attempts of the government to silence the writers and how the army of journalists found their feet and honed their craft. The book also looks at the personalities who wrote fearlessly and the role played by some of English literature’s most famous names. Printers and booksellers played a big part in the development of the press, and they are given their share of the limelight.There are stories of sedition and financial insider trading, and a look at the astonishing variety of content that appeared in these early periodicals. This included early examples of writing targeted at women, as well as the often bizarre early advertising that shared these same pages.
34.95 In Stock
Grub Street: The Origins of the British Press

Grub Street: The Origins of the British Press

by Ruth Herman
Grub Street: The Origins of the British Press

Grub Street: The Origins of the British Press

by Ruth Herman

Hardcover

$34.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

Love it or loathe it, the British press stands out as a remarkable institution. Sometimes referred to as the fourth estate and accused of wielding power without responsibility, it has been a channel for the dissemination of information those at the top of the pyramid of power would rather stayed hidden. Often, though, it has also delighted in scraping the bottom of the public interest barrel, deliberately manipulating certain truths and revelling in gossip and scandal.But where did this naughty child start? Here, Ruth Herman takes the reader back to the early days of the British press. The book journeys through the unsuccessful attempts of the government to silence the writers and how the army of journalists found their feet and honed their craft. The book also looks at the personalities who wrote fearlessly and the role played by some of English literature’s most famous names. Printers and booksellers played a big part in the development of the press, and they are given their share of the limelight.There are stories of sedition and financial insider trading, and a look at the astonishing variety of content that appeared in these early periodicals. This included early examples of writing targeted at women, as well as the often bizarre early advertising that shared these same pages.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781445688848
Publisher: Amberley Publishing
Publication date: 01/15/2020
Pages: 304
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Ruth Herman took a mature degree in English and History and enjoyed it so much she followed it up with a PhD. She published in scholarly circles and taught at university level. Now retired, she enjoys writing to make history engaging and accessible to the general reader.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

1 Before the Word 10

2 The Real Beginnings 41

3 The Restoration, the Monarch and the Press 67

4 The War of the Words 98

5 Something for the Ladies 125

6 Advertising 153

7 Wayward Texts and Wayward Printers 181

8 Into the Provinces: Life outside London 209

9 The Bubble and the Dance 240

Conclusion 261

Appendix 1 Definitions and Timeline 263

Appendix 2 A Guide to Money in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century 269

Bibliography 270

Acknowledgements 279

Index 280

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews