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The American press played a significant role in the transference of European civilization to America and in the shaping of American society. Settlement entrepreneurs used the press to persuade Europeans to come to America. Immigrants brought religious tracts with them to spread Puritanism and other doctrines to Native Americans and the white population. The colonists used the press to openly debate issues, print advertisements for business, and as a source of entertainment. But what did the colonists actually think about the press? The author has gathered information from primary sources to explore this question. Diaries and journals reveal how the colonists valued local news, often preferring American news to European news. This concentrated focus upon colonial attitudes and thoughts toward the press covers the period of colonial settlement from the 1500s through 1765.
This book will appeal to scholars and students of American history and communication history. Primary documents expressing the colonists' thoughts will also be of interest to scholars and students of American thought, American philosophy, and early American literature and writing.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction: The Role of the Printed Word in Colonial America
A Romance with the Printed Word
Coaxing Settlement
Spreading the Word of God: The Puritans
Spreading the Word of God: The Non-Puritans
Print and Public Debate
"This Is Printed to Prevent False Reports"
Problems and Solutions: The Printed Word as Helpful Information
Americans and Periodicals: A Fascination with Local Happenings
The Printed Word as Entertainment
The Printed Word as Advertisement
Press Workers' Views: A Clash of Public Ideals and Private Needs
Conclusion: The Colonial Press and the American Character
References
Index
About the author
JULIE HEDGEPETH WILLIAMS is Assistant Professor at Samford University in Birmingham-Alabama, where she teaches journalism history and media writing. She is the co-author of
The Early American Press, 1690-1783 (Greenwood, 1994) which received the
Choice Outstanding Academic Book award in 1995.
