The Daily News

On this day in 1846, the first copy of The Daily News, a national newspaper founded and edited by Charles Dickens, was published.

'The principles advocated in the Daily News will be principles of progress and improvement; of education, civil and religious liberty, and equal legislation.' - Dickens, The Daily News, January 21st 1846.

After 17 issues, Dickens handed the paper over to his friend, John Forster, as he missed writing novels. The paper flourished under Forster's leadership, with writers including Charles Mackay, Harriet Martineau, George Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells contributing to the publication before its end in 1960.

Dickens' original manuscript for the novel THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH - A FAIRY TALE OF HOME has been reproduced in facsimile as a limited edition of 250 copies. Bound in leather and signed by Monica Dickens, the book reveals Dickens' writing process and includes engravings from the first edition. You can click here to find out more and to place your order today.