First published in 1846, Mitchell's Press Directories listed newspaper titles with additional information about their geographical and topical coverage. The Directories have been described as 'an annual that blended commentary with factual detail'.[1] Press directories such as Mitchell's provide important evidence for the history of mass media in the United Kingdom, in particular the history of British newspapers.
Charles Mitchell (1807–1859) acted as advertising agent for London and provincial newspapers.[2] Mitchell & Co., founded in 1837, is described as 'one of the earliest advertising agencies'.[2] His goal in publishing the Directories was 'to form a guide to advertisers in their selection of journals as mediums more particularly suitable for their announcements',[3] and as a 'more dignified and permanent record' of British newspapers.[4] He published the first Directory in 1846, then 1847, 1851, 1854, and annually from 1856. After Mitchell's death in 1859, his step-son, Walter Wellsman, become editor and expanded the scope of the Directory.[4] From 1860, the Directories included both periodicals and newspapers.[5] By 1861 Mitchell's Newspaper Press Directory was so comprehensive that the British Post Office regarded it as an authoritative list of London and provincial newspapers.[4]
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