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Pennsylvania Gazette
November 3, 1763
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Benjamin Franklin and Hugh Meredith, publishers
Benjamin Franklin (American, 1706–1790), printer
The Pennsylvania Gazette shows both the conventions of colonial newspapers and the innovations of Benjamin Franklin. Like other newspapers, the Gazette gave priority to delivering as much information as possible. The frontpage of the displayed issue resembles a book page with the use of drop cap and with articles packed together without visual differentiation between news and advertisements.
As a talented writer and editor, Franklin added a breath of knowledge and sophistication to the contents that rivaled its European counterparts. His skilled editorship often intersected with his business acumen. He was attentive to American readers’ growing sensitivity to visual materials.
Despite his other achievements, Benjamin Franklin continued to consider himself a printer, as shown in the opening words of his will: “I, Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia, printer.”