The Diaries of Anthony Hewitson, Provincial Journalist, Volume 2: 1891–1912

Abstract

Journalist Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) worked in one of the largest sectors of the periodical press, provincial newspapers. His diaries, written between 1865 and 1912, reveal the people, processes and networks involved in the creation of Victorian newspapers. They also tell us about fatherhood, old age, antiquarianism and local history, and the culture of Victorian towns and villages.

Diaries of nineteenth-century provincial journalists are extremely rare. In this volume, Hewitson records his antiquarian research, his ownership of a Wakefield newspaper, and his retirement in Morecambe. Background notes explain his involvement in a new Conservative paper for Lancaster, and his son’s involvement in a suspicious suicide, life insurance and a New York marriage to a young widow.

Andrew Hobbs’s introduction and footnotes provide background and analysis of these valuable documents. This full scholarly edition offers a wealth of new information about local newspaper writing and sub-editing, newspaper ownership and publishing, and illuminates aspects of Victorian periodicals and culture extending far beyond provincial newspapers.

The Diaries of a Provincial Journalist are an indispensable research tool for local and regional historians, as well as social and political historians with an interest in Victorian studies and the media. They are also for anyone interested in turn-of-the-century social and cultural history.