News of the World Archive: Back Issue Newspapers

News of the World Archive: Back Issue Newspapers

Are Back Issue Newspapers Still Relevant?

The answer to the headlining question is a resounding "yes".Reading a paper from 200, or even 100, years ago offers a unique look at the world, its beliefs, and its communities. Even back issues of sensationalist publications holds value. Cracking open one of these "red top" tabloids allows you to find out what far-flung ideas truly captured the minds of people and communities in times long past.  Read on to find out how you can secure your own issue of the News of the World.

The History of the News of the World

At one time, News of the World was the best-selling English-language newspaper worldwide, and, even at its closure, still sold a record number of English-language publications. Thus, even though it's long gone, NOTW remains an important piece of the United Kingdom’s culture and media history. The paper, known for its ability to spark conspiracy and celebrity outcry, found its start as a broadsheet directed at crime, vice, and sensational reporting.  Not long after its first issue was published in 1843, the paper became the most widely read Sunday paper. After a decade of faltering sales, John Belle sold News of the World to the Carr family.

Under new management, the paper flourished. By 1939, daily sales of the News of the World reached over 4 million.  By the 1950s,  News of the World became the best-selling newspaper in the world.

In 1969, Rupert Murdoch purchased News of the World from the Carr family. What followed was a string of editorial conflicts, libel charges, and format changes. In 1981, a complimentary magazine began to be included in the paper. Three years later, in 1984, the paper switched from broadsheet to tabloid format.  From 1985 until the paper’s closing in 2011, the paper would be printed at Knowsley on Merseyside.

In the year of its closing, the paper won four awards from the association of the British Press. These included News Reporter of the Year and Scoop of the Year. However, all the accolades in the world could not save News of the World from the repercussions of a phone hacking scandal. The paper published its last issue in October of 2011.

Interesting Facts About the News of the World

  • Notable contributors included Bob Bird, Norman Rae, Victoria Newton, Neville Thurlbeck, and Dan Woottoon.
  • This “red top” tabloid won the UK’s Newspaper of the Year award in 2005.
  • The first issue of News of the World was sold for the equivalent of 1.11 in 1843 and was the cheapest paper on the stands for some time.
  • The paper launched with the motto “All Human Life is There.” This reflects the papers devotion to all things humanity holds dear, including love, life, and sport.

News of the World Archives

To find back issues of News of the World or to check availability of the newspaper, follow these steps:

  • Visit News of the World
  • Choose your preferred date.
  • Choose your desired newspaper and edition.
  • Select the pack you wish to purchase.
  • Make sure to add a name to the certificate of authenticity along with your chosen date and message if the purchase is a gift.