(Zenger, John Peter) | Two works on the trial of John Peter Zenger, the first newspaper libel case in America

(Zenger, John Peter)

The Tryal of John Peter Zenger, of New-York, Printer, who was lately Try'd and Acquitted for Printing and Publishing a Libel against the Government. London: Printed for J. Wilford, 1738 [bound with] Remarks on the Trial of John-Peter Zenger. London: Printed for J. Roberts, 1738

2 volumes bound in one, 4to (233 x 166 mm). Woodcut vignette, head- and tailpieces; a few spots of soiling. Leather-backed red cloth, spine gilt; a touch of shelfwear. 

Third London edition, concerning the first newspaper libel case in America.

The arrest in 1734 of John Peter Zenger, publisher of the Journal, for criticizing the colonial governor of New York, marked the first great contest in America over the freedom of the press. The trial was a defeat for the crown, as the jury defied the judge and gave the imprisoned editor his liberty.

REFERENCE

ESTC N13619, T89134; Sabin 106307, 106314 [note]