English Civil War - Mercurius Politicus, a rare example of one of the forerunners of newspapers, dated July 8th 1658. 8pp sm4to, and carrying reports on various events both at home and abroad, but in particular an extensive report on the trial of Colonel Edward Ashton, a Royalist for conspiracy with others to try to overthrow Oliver Cromwell. The report gives extensive details of their trial and the sentence of hanging, drawing and quartering. A rare example