Early REPRINT/The SUN of NEW YORK/Number 1 FIRST Issue/September 3 1833-TABLOID

Description

Early commemorative reprint of the first tabloid newspaper (11” by 14”), Issue Number 1 of The Sun of New York, originally published September 3, 1833, possibly reprinted 1883. This is not the original 1833 printing of this very important first issue of The Sun. It is a later reprint, likely produced to commemorate the anniversary of the original publication. The history of this newspaper and its importance in the evolution of the newspaper business and modern media is briefly discussed on a Library of Congress/Chronicling America webpage. This was the first penny daily newspaper published in tabloid size (rather than the larger broadsheet) and appealed to the common people with its sensational stories and other popular features. Within a year, the Sun would have the largest circulation of any newspaper in the United States. The LOC website mentions the 1933 reprint of this first issue, and there is a copy available on eBay that clearly states at bottom on the front page that it is a reprinted edition. I believe this is an earlier reprinting, perhaps done on the 50th anniversary in 1883. The quality of the paper seems consistent with that date--not as fine as the rag paper of earlier days, but not as coarse and brittle as the pulp paper that was used commonly in cheap newspapers soon after that date.
The newspaper is in only good condition with light wear and light to moderate soiling. It’s all there, but there are some tears, a few small pieces missing from the edges, and some fold marks. Note the stain along the entire right side on the front, and the small grouping of tiny dark spots at top center on the back. A very old reprint and a nice piece of early newspaper history!