The First Journalists

John Milton's 'Areopagitica' is a passionate defense of freedom of speech and expression, written in 1644. Composed as a pamphlet, it argues against the Licensing Order of 1643, which required books to be approved by government censors before publication. Milton contends that censorship stifles truth and intellectual progress, advocating for an open marketplace of ideas where different viewpoints can be debated freely. He asserts that individuals are capable of discerning truth from falsehood and that restricting access to information hinders the pursuit of knowledge and virtue. The work remains a powerful and influential statement on the importance of free thought and the dangers of authoritarian control over information.

This book examines the development of journalism from the 1690s to the 1760s, focusing on how journalists and editors sought to elevate the literary and social status of their publications. It delves into the strategies and personas adopted by early journalists to engage audiences and maintain credibility as moralists and commentators.