The History of the Catnach Press at Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Alnwick and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, in Northumberland, and Seven Dials, London

"The History of the Catnach Press" by Charles Hindley is a historical exploration of Jemmy Catnach's printing business and his impact on accessible literature in early 19th-century London. The book follows Catnach's journey as a printer who made inexpensive reading material widely available, especially affecting the working class during that time. Hindley traces how the Catnach Press grew and became an important part of street literature and ballads, which were very popular forms of entertainment and information. Early in the book, the author introduces Catnach as someone who appealed to a broad audience, even though the content printed was not always educational. Hindley further describes the initial publication of earlier works, as well as recounts conversations with people like Samuel Milnes, who were street ballad singers. All of this helps to paint a picture of the lively street culture and the central role Catnach's press played in feeding the literary needs of London's working class.