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From crime and scandal to brothels and blackmail, the Flash Press covered the seamier aspects of urban life in the mid-19th century. Though stopping well short of pornography the editors played a delicate game with the authorities, often moralizing against the very topics they covered, which included prostitution, gambling, urban gangs, illicit sporting activities, and sensational crimes. To many of their readers, the Flash Press also conveyed an implicit threat of blackmail, which often led to very ephemeral print runs.
Unlike the “low-life” characters that they covered, the Flash Press journalists were often members of the cities’ wealthy class, and many of them were accomplished writers. Both their articles and their literary efforts are noteworthy examples of 19th-century American satire and humor.
Where does the content come from?
The newspapers in this collection were collected by the American Antiquarian Society, whose curators assisted Readex with the selection of these titles.
What time period does it cover?
The publication dates of the papers run from 1826 to 1876.
What’s in it?
This database provides access to a unique, rare, short-lived and often bawdy form of journalism. It covers many topical categories including but not limited to:
- Satirical and often humorous articles on the illicit, low-life aspects of life in the city
- Urbane critiques of bordellos and their inhabitants
- Original poems and songs devoted to off-color episodes and characters
- Interviews with and articles about the most notorious “rakes” of the era
- Extensive coverage of police activities and sensational crimes and trials
- Detailed lists of ongoing criminal investigations, some of which are highly satirical
- Reviews of the bawdiest theatrical performances
- Reports on both legal and illegal sporting events such as cock-fighting, bare-knuckle boxing, and horse racing
- Reporting on gambling and noteworthy gamblers
- Rare and detailed coverage of the underground economy of urban America in the 19th century
How can I use this content in my research project?
The collection provides researchers with many points of departure covering a wide array of areas of research such as:
- 19th Century History
- 19th Century Literature
- Gender Studies
- LGBT Studies
- Women’s Studies
- Ethnic Studies
- Economics of underground and criminal activity
- History of law enforcement
- History of Journalism
- 19th Century Urban Life
- Media Studies
