JULIE HEDGEPETH WILLIAMS is Assistant Professor at Samford University in Birmingham-Alabama, where she teaches journalism history and media writing. She is the co-author of The Early American Press, 1690-1783 (Greenwood, 1994) which received the Choice Outstanding Academic Book award in 1995.

• Preface Introduction: The Role of the Printed Word in Colonial America A Romance with the Printed Word Coaxing Settlement Spreading the Word of God: The Puritans Spreading the Word of God: The Non-Puritans Print and Public Debate "This Is Printed to Prevent False Reports" Problems and Solutions: The Printed Word as Helpful Information Americans and Periodicals: A Fascination with Local Happenings The Printed Word as Entertainment The Printed Word as Advertisement Press Workers' Views: A Clash of Public Ideals and Private Needs Conclusion: The Colonial Press and the American Character References Index

JULIE HEDGEPETH WILLIAMS is Assistant Professor at Samford University in Birmingham-Alabama, where she teaches journalism history and media writing. She is the co-author of The Early American Press, 1690-1783 (Greenwood, 1994) which received the Choice Outstanding Academic Book award in 1995.

• Preface Introduction: The Role of the Printed Word in Colonial America A Romance with the Printed Word Coaxing Settlement Spreading the Word of God: The Puritans Spreading the Word of God: The Non-Puritans Print and Public Debate "This Is Printed to Prevent False Reports" Problems and Solutions: The Printed Word as Helpful Information Americans and Periodicals: A Fascination with Local Happenings The Printed Word as Entertainment The Printed Word as Advertisement Press Workers' Views: A Clash of Public Ideals and Private Needs Conclusion: The Colonial Press and the American Character References Index

JULIE HEDGEPETH WILLIAMS is Assistant Professor at Samford University in Birmingham-Alabama, where she teaches journalism history and media writing. She is the co-author of The Early American Press, 1690-1783 (Greenwood, 1994) which received the Choice Outstanding Academic Book award in 1995.

• Preface Introduction: The Role of the Printed Word in Colonial America A Romance with the Printed Word Coaxing Settlement Spreading the Word of God: The Puritans Spreading the Word of God: The Non-Puritans Print and Public Debate "This Is Printed to Prevent False Reports" Problems and Solutions: The Printed Word as Helpful Information Americans and Periodicals: A Fascination with Local Happenings The Printed Word as Entertainment The Printed Word as Advertisement Press Workers' Views: A Clash of Public Ideals and Private Needs Conclusion: The Colonial Press and the American Character References Index