The cheap warrens surrounding London's Grub Street were home to the newsbooks and other unlicensed publications that exploded onto the scene in the 1640s and 1650s, as fugitive printers lugged their presses from one garret to the next to stay a step ahead of the authorities.

In this book, Bob Clarke examines the origination and development of the English newspaper from the sixteenth century through to end of the nineteenth century. Along the way this narrative is illuminated with stories of the characters who contributed to the growth of the English press in all its rich variety of forms, and how newspapers tailored their contents to particular audiences. Beginning with a detailed chronological history, the volume then moves on to discuss specific themes important to the development of the English newspaper, including such issues as state: censorship and struggles for the freedom of the press, the growth of advertising and its effect on editorial policy, the impact on editorial strategies of taxation policy, increased literacy rates and social changes, the rise of provincial newspapers and the birth of the Sunday paper and the popular press. The final third of the book describes the content of newspapers, and includes numerous extracts and illustrations that vividly portray the way in which news was reported to provide a colourful picture of the social history of their times.

'...a highly entertaining and informative introduction to English newspaper history...' The Times Literary Supplement 'In this buoyant account, Bob Clarke takes us up to the end of the 19th century...the study is larded with choice samples of 18th-century journalism...(and) illustrated with pages from the papers of the past ...He gives a good overview of historical developments...(the book) has a relish for its subject...' The Guardian 'It is indeed a scholarly piece of work, well structured, comprehensive, impeccably end-noted and referenced, and written in clear and unpretentious style. It is also generously and informatively illustrated.' British Journalism Review '... this is a racy, erudite account...The author is to be congratulated on a volume - written in a lively manner - that packs a great deal of information, much of it not previously published.' Press News 'What Bob Clarke does so effectively in his new book is to combine readable history with extracts and illustrations that give a real flavour of what those newspapers were really like...' Rare Book Review '...notable for its refreshing and engaging presentation of factual information without overmuch theoretical rumination ... Recommended ...' Choice 'Clarke [...] gives a vivid and entertaining account of the social milieu of Grub Street...' Sharp News