Description:

Declaration of Independence

(DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE) Very Possibly the First British Printing, The Gentleman's Magazine, August, 1776

 

First edition of Gentleman’s Magazine for August 1776, printed in London, featuring an early (very possibly the first British) printing of the Declaration of Independence on page 361 and 362,“The Declaration of Independency” . Signed in type by John Hancock and Charles Thompson. 5" x 8.25". Tastefully rebound; with the illustrated title page, but lacking the plate of Chepstow Castle, minimal wear; publishers red stain applied to outer page block.  London, August 1776.

 

The Gentleman’s Magazine, founded by Edward Cave in 1731 under his famous pseudonym “Sylvanus Urban,” was the most influential periodical of its age and inaugurated one of modern publishing’s most characteristic formats. Its impact extended to America where, in 1741, Benjamin Franklin’s General Magazine was chiefly “patterned after London’s ten-year-old Gentleman’s Magazine” (Isaacson, 118). In time, Gentleman’s Magazine reflected Britain’s increasing concerns over the American Revolution-as seen in this early printing of “The Declaration of Independency”. In the year of this issue, Gentleman's Magazine had been closely following and offering coverage of the American Revolution, offering maps throughout the year documenting areas in which the colonies engaged in major battles. (The prior issue in July was filled with related news that makes it clear a political explosion was about to occur) . The Declaration is also discussed in a later article in this August issue titled "Account of the Proceedings of the American Colonists": "Whether those grievances were real or imaginary, or whether they did or did not deserve a parliamentary enquiry, we will not presume to decide. The ball is now struck, and time only can shew where it will rest" (page 377).

 

A superb copy of this important British Magazine.



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