The newspapers, pamphlets, and books gathered by the Reverend Charles Burney (1757-1817) represent the largest and most comprehensive collection of early English news media. The present digital collection, that helps chart the development of the concept of ‘news’ and ‘newspapers’ and the “free press”, totals almost 1 million pages and contains approximately 1,270 titles.

Provided by the Boston Public Library and available for free with a BPL eCard. Individuals who live in, own property in, or commute to work in Massachusetts may register for an eCard. Want help using this resource? Contact us.

  • 1 million newspaper pages
  • Newspapers, newsbooks, Acts of Parliament, addresses, broadsides, pamphlets, proclamations
  • The most comprehensive collection of early English newspapers
  • Titles from London, British Isles, and colonies