About

Who am I?

I am currently a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara.  I am working on my dissertation, which will discuss the Gilbert Mabbott’s effect on the London news industry during the English Civil War.

Who is Gilbert Mabbott?

Gilbert Mabbott was a licenser of pamphlets and newsbooks from 1645 to 1649.  He was also brother-in-law to Sir William Clarke and a client of John Rushworth.  From 1647 to 1649, he was in the pay of the New Model Army, acting as their “agent” in London.  As well, Mabbott has been accused of being the editor of the radical newsbook The Moderate, though I do not believe that this is quite the case.

Why am I publishing a blog?

Mainly, I am publishing this blog because of another blog on wordpress, Mercurius Politicus, which is dealing with similar matter.  It seemed like a good idea to me.  I thought it would be useful for others studying early modern print culture, and they could potentially give me feedback on my research.