'Curiosities of Street Literature' Summary

'Curiosities of Street Literature' gathers a range of broadsides from London, offering a fascinating window into the lives, concerns, and sensationalism of the era. These short, often anonymous publications, served as precursors to modern tabloid journalism, tackling themes like criminal activity, love affairs, political events, and the lives of the Royal Family. The collection also includes 'Gallows Literature,' poignant confessions, poems, and other writings associated with condemned individuals, sold at their public executions. These broadsides, often printed by anonymous authors, highlight the crucial role of printers in distributing news and shaping public opinion in a time when information spread through printed media. The collection serves as a reminder of the past's fascination with crime, the allure of the extraordinary, and the power of the printed word to engage the public.