Daily News & Leader, 5th August 1914. Pages 1-8. Headline: 'Great Britain at War with Germany'

This is an original piece of press from 1914 announcing 'that a state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany'. I found it (accidentally) and bought it (immediately) at Portobello Antiques Market during the past weekend. For someone who loves antiques and the study of media and photography, this piece of newspaper is full of fascination and some incredible research wonders. Knowing in retrospect the history of WWI, I am reading it with a variety of feelings, certainly with the greatest respect but also sadness. The rationale side of me studies these pages in its mediatic form: I go through the various paragraphs, subtitles, and look at the display of pictures and advertisements. I feel I own an important piece of media history. 

Inside the newspaper, the King's message to the navy, a map of the North sea showing the German naval bases, a call for doctors, a plea for steady trade (discussing the concerns with unemployment), the government action for the distribution of food, women protests against the war. A big adv reads: 'Englishmen, do your duty and keep your country out of a wicked and stupid war'. 

Among the black and white photographs, crowds parading the Boulevards singing patriotic songs; a group of naval volunteers; a group of stranded Americans in London waiting outside the offices of the American Express Company in the Haymarket to cash their letters of credit; the rush to recruit; and territorial marching. 🙏