[NOTES: Unless noted, page size is the size when trimmed, usually for binding; page size is approximate. Page size is described as height by width, thus: [measurement in inches]" h x [measurement in inches]" w
• about frequency: semimonthly: twice a month (usually 24 issues per year); biweekly: every other week (usually 26 issues per year); bimonthly: every other month (usually 6 issues per year)
• about availability: selections or complete issues available for free on the Internet, or available at libraries on microform
• abbreviations: APS, American Periodical Series (microfilm); AAS, American Antiquarian Society, MA; NUC, National Union Catalog; OCLC, database available at many institutions via WorldCat (information may also be available in the NUC); ULS, Union List of Serials in Libraries of the United States and Canada, ed. Winifred Gregory (New York, NY: H. W. Wilson Co., 1927)]

Children's Magazine ; Jan-April 1789

cover/masthead: 1789

published: Hartford, CT; printed by Hudson & Goodwin

frequency: monthly

description: 48 pp.; page size, 7.5" h x 3.75" w; price, 6 pence/ issue; 12 copies, 4 shillings 6 pence

relevant quotes:
• Prospectus: "Each Number of this work will contain 48 Pages, duodecimo, printed on good paper and letter, and will be sold at Four Shillings and Six-Pence a dozen, or Six Pence a single number. This work is designed to furnish Children, from seven to twelve years of age, with a variety of lessons on various subjects, written in a plain, neat, familiar style, and proper to lead them from the easy language of Spelling-Books up to the more difficult style of the best writers." [advertisement. Connecticut Courant. 2 Feb 1789: p. 3, col 3]

• Introduction: "It is a general complaint among the teachers of schools, that children want some lessons, written in a familiar style and on entertaining subjects, to conduct them in their progress from a Spelling-Book to such reading as is found in the American Selection, Scotts Lessons and the Art of Speaking. It is also a complaint that children are obliged to read too long in the same book ; by which means the subjects become familiar and cease to command the attention. To remove these complaints, is the design of this publication. The subjects are such as children can mostly comprehend.... The language and manner of writing are reduced to their capacities--the variety of subjects will at the same time, gratify and keep alive the passion of curiosity, which prompts the young mind to exertions; while the desire of novelty will be, in some measure, satisfied by the reading of a new book every month. ... The undertaking is novel, and the Editors could not but feel some doubt of its success; yet when they considered the great advantage to youth that must result from a faithful execution of the plan, they determined to hazard something in an attempt to serve the interest of education, and now commit a success to an indulgent public." ["Preface." 1 (Jan 1789): iii-iv]

relevant information: The February issue was unavailable when the periodical was microfilmed.

• A number of pieces in the Children's Magazine appeared first in The Juvenile Magazine, published by J. Marshall & Co., London, in 1788; the London periodical was "chiefly intended for young people from Seven to Fourteen years of age." [1 (Jan 1788): 2] Among these reprinted pieces are "An Easy Introduction to Geography," "Familiar Letters on Various Subjects," letters from "The Schoolboy," letters from the "Female Adviser," "The Grateful Return," "The Little Boy Who Behaved Like a Man," The Affectionate Sisters," and "Verses Addressed to a Young Lady with a Nosegay." In the Juvenile Magazine, "The Affectionate Sisters" and the "Easy Introduction to Geography" are illustrated with engravings which apparently didn't appear in the Children's Magazine. Month of publication correlates exactly between the magazines: if, for example, a piece appeared in the January 1788 issue of the Juvenile Magazine, it was published in the January 1789 issue of the Children's Magazine. A list of the duplicates is available at this site.

source of information: APS reel 8; The Juvenile Magazine (London), Jan-Dec 1788 bound vols; Lyon; Strohecker; Kelly; AAS catalog

available: APS I (18th-century), reel 8; excerpts online include works probably in the February issue

bibliography: advertisement. Connecticut Courant (Hartford, CT). 2 Feb 1789: p. 3, col 3. online
• d'Alte A. Welch. A Bibliography of American Children's Books Printed Prior to 1821. Np: American Antiquarian Society & Barre Publishers, 1922.
• Mabel F. Altstetter. "Early American Magazines for Children." Peabody Journal of Education 19 (Nov 1941); p. 131
• Betty Longenecker Lyon. "A History of Children's Secular Magazines Published in the United States from 1789-1899." PhD diss. Johns Hopkins, 1942; pp. 29-32.
• Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.
• Children's Periodicals of the United States, ed. R. Gordon Kelly. Westport, CT & London, England: Greenwood Press, 1984.

The Youth's News Paper ; 30 Sept-4 Nov 1797

cover/masthead: 1797

edited by: Charles Smith

published: New York, NY: Charles Smith, 30 Sept-4 Nov 1797; Smith at 51 Maiden Ln. Printed by J. S. Mott

frequency: weekly

description: 8 pp. • Prices: 30 Sept 1797, $3/ year. 7 Oct-4 Nov 1797, $2/ year

relevant quote: The paper contained news and information extracted from newspapers for adults: "A knowledge of this world ..., dear youth, would be highly useful to you. This world, indeed, is not that, for which we are destined. Another we expect after this, where godliness, piety and virtue shall see their reward. But this world presents us the road to these rewards. We cannot avoid this passage and we must look before us and round us, to run our race with safety. This implies the necessity of an early knowledge of the world and the study of the human heart. It is my intention, by a news-paper, wholly dedicated to you and suited to your capacities to aid such a design. Read these leaves, dear children, in your leisure hours. By degrees they will afford you a treasure of knowledge. After reading, let me advise you, not to tear the innocent paper or throw it away, but gather all the numbers and put them together. In a years time, I shall present you with a title page and an index. This will enable you, to overlook in an hour, what you have learned in a year." [#1 (30 Sept 1797): 1-2]

source of information: Early American Newspapers; AAS catalog; Kelly

available: Early American Newspapers microfilm series

bibliography: d'Alte A. Welch. A Bibliography of American Children's Books Printed Prior to 1821. Np: American Antiquarian Society & Barre Publishers, 1922.
• Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.
• Children's Periodicals of the United States, ed. R. Gordon Kelly. Westport, CT & London, England: Greenwood Press, 1984.

The Juvenile Magazine, or Miscellaneous Repository of Useful Information ; 1802

published: Philadelphia, PA: Benjamin Johnson & Jacob Johnson, 1802; publisher's address in High St.

frequency: 3 issues/ year

description: 72 pp.; page size, 5.5" h x 3.5" w

relevant quote: Introduction: "We have observed with concern the numerous trifling publications almost daily issuing from the press, under various alluring titles, calculated to force the attention of children, and to poison the young mind with a love for romance, at the serious expence of useful and ornamental acquisitions. Many of these are read with avidity by the enquiring mind; and not unfrequently lead the most promising youths into error. ... [W]e conceive we cannot devote our time more properly, or employ our press more profitably to ourselves, or advantageously to the rising generation of America, than by publishing monthly (or more frequently should sufficient encouragement offer) a volume devoted peculiarly to their entertainment and information. ... [W]e are inclined to believe, that, from the judicious, even among the youth, we will find such encouragement, both pecuniary and literary, as will enable us to prosecute our design: being well convinced that in the minds of all young persons there is a natural love for truth, and that the prevailing taste for romance, arises more from the super-abundance of that description of books, and a scarcity of those of a contrary tendency, than from any innate disposition of the mind for such reading. ... We do not propose to exclude every kind of fiction: agreeable tales, inculcating some moral precept, or inforcing the observance of some duty, will always find a place in our miscellany." ["Preface." 1 #1 (1802): 3-5.]

source of information: APS reel 19; Welch; Lyon; Strohecker; AAS catalog

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 19 • Early American Imprints #2476

bibliography: d'Alte A. Welch. A Bibliography of American Children's Books Printed Prior to 1821. Np: American Antiquarian Society & Barre Publishers, 1922.
• Eleanor Weakley Nolen. "Nineteenth Century Children's Magazines." The Horn Book Magazine. 15 (January/February 1939): 55-60.
• Mabel F. Altstetter. "Early American Magazines for Children." Peabody Journal of Education 19 (Nov 1941); p. 131.
• Betty Longenecker Lyon. "A History of Children's Secular Magazines Published in the United States from 1789-1899." PhD diss. Johns Hopkins, 1942; pp. 33-38.
• Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.

The Fly; or Juvenile Miscellany ; 16 Oct 1805-2 April 1806

cover/masthead: 16 Oct 1805 | 30 Oct 1805 | 13 Nov 1805-2 April 1806

edited by: Josiah Ball ("Simon Scribble")

published: Boston, MA: Josiah Ball, 16 Oct 1805-2 April 1806; publisher at 12 Congress St.

frequency: biweekly: Wednesday afternoon

description: 4 pp.; page size, 10" h x 9" w; price, $1/ year: "The FIRST number is sent to the inhabitants of Boston, generally, gratis. The SECOND will be delivered only to those who patronise the undertaking." ["Conditions." 1 (16 Oct 1805): 1]

relevant quotes:
• Introduction: "It is freely acknowledged that there is already a surplusage of Periodical works in circulation, some of which are conducted with superior skill and judgment; but considerably above the common level of Juvenile comprehension. To remedy this increasing inconvenience will be the object of this publication; in the prosecution of the plan of which, it will be the undeviating aim of the Editors, to present a valuable combination of useful and interesting subjects, particularly designed for the improvement of Youth of both sexes. ... [The paper] will be agreeably diversified with subjects humorous, literary and light;--Essays instructive and amusing;--Historical and Biographical sketches, Poetry, Tales, Epigrams, Anecdotes, and a variety of incidental matter." ["To the Public." 1 (16 Oct 1805): 1]

• In 1806, changes were promised: the paper was to be published weekly, "when the whole and undivided attention of one of the Editors will be devoted to it, and consequently the conduction of it greatly improved; as they have not, from their respective engagements to different offices, been able to bestow but a few hours' attention on any one number which has yet been published. ... The size, until the first volume is completed, will continue the same as at present, for the conveniency of binding; but the type will be smaller, and the paper will contain as much matter as "The Boston Magazine." [1 (5 Feb 1806): 35]

• Changes were promised again in April 1806: "...[W]e intend, (in compliance with the repeated solicitations of our friends) after the present number, to publish the Fly WEEKLY--to devote our time and attention particularly to it, and to cause the papers to be regularly delivered to subscribers in Boston on the day of publication. But, as the attendant expense will then be double what it has hitherto been, the price will be necessarily augmented; and, instead of one, we must request the punctual payment quarterly in advance, of Two Dollars per annum. But, as, during the past six months, our little paper has appeared only once a fortnight, the price for the first year will be One Dollar fifty cents--one third of which has already been pretty generally paid--Fifty cents we request our patrons to advance on the reception of the next number, and the remainder at the expiration of three months from the present time." [1 (2 April 1806): 51] Which probably explains why that was the last issue.

source of information: APS reel 19; AAS catalog; Kelly

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 19

bibliography: Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.
• Children's Periodicals of the United States, ed. R. Gordon Kelly. Westport, CT & London, England: Greenwood Press, 1984.

The Juvenile Magazine ; Fifth-Sixth month (May-June) 1811; Seventh-Eighth month (July-Aug) 1813

edited by: Arthur Donaldson

published: Philadelphia, PA: Arthur Donaldson, 1811, 1813.

frequency: monthly: beginning of the month

description: 4 issues (May & June 1811; July & Aug 1813) • 1811: 36 pp.; price, 12.5¢/ each. 1813: 72 pp. Page size, 8.5" h x 4.5" w • Anti-slavery magazine • 1811: sold at 88 N. Front St.

relevant quotes:
• Introduction to the 1811 issues: "Having been engaged for several years as a tutor of children as well as grown People of Colour, it has necessarily brought me more to a knowledge of their situation, on account of learning; and in the course of my engagements as a teacher, I have had thoughts of Lessons that might be introduced into the school ...; this, together with the slender income arising from the school, induces me to attempt this work...." ["Preface." #1 (May 1811): iii]

• About the end of the 1811 version: "Having through disappointments and losses, discontinued publishing the JUVENILE MAGAZINE, I proceeded no farther than the first and second number for the fifth and sixth months, 1811." [#3 (July 1813): 1]

source of information: APS reel 121; Lyon; Strohecker; Kelly

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 121 (missing #2)

bibliography: Betty Longenecker Lyon. "A History of Children's Secular Magazines Published in the United States from 1789-1899." PhD diss. Johns Hopkins, 1942; pp. 44-47.
• Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.
• Children's Periodicals of the United States, ed. R. Gordon Kelly. Westport, CT & London, England: Greenwood Press, 1984.

Juvenile Port-folio and Literary Miscellany ; 17 Oct 1812-7 Dec 1816

cover/masthead: 17 Oct-26 Dec 1812 | 2 Jan 1813-7 Dec 1816

edited by: Thomas G. Condie, jr

published: Philadelphia, PA: Thomas G. Condie, jr., 17 Oct 1812-7 Dec 1816; publisher at 22 Carter's Alley. 1815: printed by John Bioren, 88 Chesnut St.

frequency: weekly: Saturday; 1 vol/ year

description: 4 pp. • 1815: page size, 8 5/8" h x 5 3/8" w (Strohecker lists page size as 9.25" h x 8.25" w); price, 12.5¢/ month; 37½¢/quarter, "payable in advance, by T. G. Condie, No. 22, Carter's alley, opposite Mr. Girard's Bank--Where a Letter Box is placed for literary communications." [3 (7 Jan 1815): 4]
• Circulation (from magazine): 17 Oct 1812, 300; Oct 1813, 600; 1815, 700

relevant information: Apparently named after The Port Folio, a magazine for adults published in Philadelphia from 3 Jan 1801 to Dec 1827.
• Beginning with vol 2, a list of subscribers was printed in each volume.

relevant quotes: Introduction: "The columns of the Juvenile Port-Folio, will consist of all the variety of subject, and Miscellaneous literature, which Magazines, and other periodical literary works, usually contain: Selected with particular attention to those subjects, that are adapted to the improvement, edification, and rational amusement of youth." [1 17 Oct 1812): 1]

• Condie soon added a mailbox to his concern: "For the accomodation of correspondents a Letter Box will be placed in the window, No. 22, Carter's Alley." [1 (26 Dec 1812): 44]

continued by: Parlour Companion ; 4 Jan 1817-21 Aug 1819 (for adults)

source of information: 1815 vol; APS 212; AAS catalog; Lyon; Kelly

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 212

bibliography: d'Alte A. Welch. A Bibliography of American Children's Books Printed Prior to 1821. Np: American Antiquarian Society & Barre Publishers, 1922.
• Eleanor Weakley Nolen. "Nineteenth Century Children's Magazines." The Horn Book Magazine. 15 (January/February 1939): 55-60.
• Mabel F. Altstetter. "Early American Magazines for Children." Peabody Journal of Education 19 (Nov 1941); p. 131.
• Betty Longenecker Lyon. "A History of Children's Secular Magazines Published in the United States from 1789-1899." PhD diss. Johns Hopkins, 1942; pp. 48-53.
• Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.
• Children's Periodicals of the United States, ed. R. Gordon Kelly. Westport, CT & London, England: Greenwood Press, 1984.
• Gillian Avery. Behold the Child: American Children and Their Books, 1621-1922. Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994; pp. 81-82.

Youth's Repository of Christian Knowledge ; March, Sept 1813

cover/masthead: March 1813

edited by: Henry Whitlock

published: New Haven, CT: Henry Whitlock, 1813; printed by Oliver Steele

frequency: 4-6 issues/ year

description: 24 pp.; duodecimo; price: 4 pence half-penny (1/16 of $1)/ issue, "Payable on delivery" • 2 issues • March 1813 reprinted at least once

source of information: APS reel 333; AAS catalog

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 333

Monthly Preceptor; or, Universal Repository of Knowledge, Instruction and Amusement ; 1815

published: Colchester, CT: T. M. Skinner & Co.

frequency: monthly

description: Page size, 7.5" h • 1st issue, March 1815

source of information: AAS catalog

Youth's Cabinet ; 31 March-21 April 1815

cover/masthead: masthead

published: Utica, NY

frequency: weekly: Friday

description: 4 pp.; large octavo; page size, 6.5" h x 5" w; price, 1 shilling/ month • Four issues located
• This very amateur publication spent a surprising amount of space reviling the editor of the Monitor (unidentified)

relevant quotes:
• "Mankind are frail; and, prompted by self interest, can be persuaded to almost any thing. It must appear plain, that this is not the case with the Editor of this paper, when you are sensible of the little profits he derives from it. This paper is chiefly designed for the improvement of youth, in composition. ... It has been pretended that the Cabinet was designed for an opposition to the Monitor. This, however is not the case. We only wish the standard by which we are judged, to be MERIT." [1 (1 April 1815): 2] Each issue, however, included at least one diatribe against the Monitor's editor.

• On the Monitor: "We are very sorry that we have given the Editor of the Monitor, the trouble of changing the day of the publication of his paper, from Wednesday to Saturday. He felt so sore, that he could not wait for Wednesday: but took the trouble of issuing an Extra; for the purpose (as he says) of informing the public that his paper would hereafter appear on Saturday.--His Extra, issued on Saturday morning, had so many errors in it, that he had to issue a second edition, EXTRA; which horrid monster appeared before the eyes of the public on Monday morning.--I think, Mr. Editor of the Monitor, cuts a great dash, when in correcting the typographical errors of the Cabinet, he makes some most horrid mistakes himself." [1 (14 April 1815): 2]

source of information: APS reel 333; Strohecker

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 333

bibliography: d'Alte A. Welch. A Bibliography of American Children's Books Printed Prior to 1821. Np: American Antiquarian Society & Barre Publishers, 1922.
• Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.

Youth's Magazine: or, Evangelical Miscellany ; Jan 1818-after Dec 1818

published: New York, NY: R. & W. A. Bartow

frequency: monthly; 1 vol/ year

description: 1818: 32 pp.; size, 8.5" high x 5.5" wide.

information: American edition of the Youth's Magazine and Evangelical Miscellany, published in London

• 1818 volume marked "Vol. I., New Series"; according to the title page, it was published in 1819. The collection is perhaps a reprint: The "Religious Intelligence" section at the end of each issue is dated well after the original publication of that issue. The section for the January 1818 issue is dated 25 August 1818; that for the December 1818 issue is dated 25 April 1819.

source of information: 1818 vol; AAS catalog

The Sunday Visitant, or, Weekly Repository of Christian Knowledge ; 3 Jan 1818-25 Dec 1819

cover/masthead: 3 Jan-26 Dec 1818 | 2 Jan 1819 | 9 Jan-25 Dec 1819

edited by: A. Fowler

published: Charleston, SC: A. Fowler, 1818-1819; publisher at 57 Queen St. • Printed by T. B. Stephens; 1818-13 March 1819: at 226 East Bay; 20 March-25 Dec 1819: at 8 Tradd St.

frequency: weekly: Saturday afternoon; 1 vol/ year

description: 4 pp. • Price: 1818, $2.50/ year; 1819, $3/ year

relevant quote: Introduction: "This Paper will consist of short pieces, devoted to Theological and Miscellaneous subjects, original and selected, proper to be read on the Lord's day; and particularly calculated for the use of young persons, in elucidating Texts of Scripture, explaining the rites and ceremonies of the Church, answering cases of conscience; and communicating Biographical and Obituary notices." [1 (3 Jan 1818): 1]

source of information: 1818 scattered issues; APS reel 240

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 240

The Guardian, or Youth's Religious Instructor ; Jan 1819-Dec 1824

cover/masthead: 1819 | 1820 | 1821 | 1824 |

edited by: Nathan Whiting

published: New Haven, CT: Nathan Whiting, 1819; "at the office of the Religious Intelligencer"
• New Haven, CT: Stephen Dodge, 1820-1821.
• New Haven, CT: E. B. Coleman, 1822-1823.
• New Haven, CT: Nathan Whiting, Nov 1824.

frequency: monthly: 1st week of the month; 1 vol/ year

description: 36 pp.; duodecimo; page size, 7" h x 4 1/8" w
• Price, 1819, 1821, 1824: $1/year, in advance; $1.25/year, "payable on the delivery of the sixth number; with the addition of twelve and a half cents for every three months delay."
• The illustration on the cover for Nov 1824 (reproduced on APS 112) was printed in the magazine as a plate in 1823.

relevant quote: "This Juvenile Magazine, the first ever published in America, has had its patrons in all the States in the Union...." [1 (Nov 1824): inside front cover]

merged with: The Monitor (Jan 1823-Dec 1824), to form The Guardian and Monitor ; 1825-1828

source of information: Jan 1819 issue; Jan-Dec 1820 bound vol; APS reel 111-112

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 111-112

bibliography: d'Alte A. Welch. A Bibliography of American Children's Books Printed Prior to 1821. Np: American Antiquarian Society & Barre Publishers, 1922.

Juvenile Gazette ; Nov 1819-Jan 1820?

cover/masthead: Nov 1819-Jan 1820

published: Providence, RI: O. Kendall & J. Johnson, 1819; printed "at the office of the Providence Patriot" [1 (Nov 1819): 3]

frequency: monthly: 1st week/ month

description: 4 pp.; price, 50¢/ year; page size, 10.5" h x 7" w
• Only issues for Nov 1819-Jan 1820 have been located

relevant quotes:
• Introduction: "This first number is issued by way of experiment. No one can imagine that either ambition or avarice had any hand in originating a publication of this description, but as a reasonable remuneration is absolutely necessary to its continuance, the present number must be the last, unless the subscription is considerably enlarged. Those who are disposed to subscribe will please to call at the Book Store of Mr. O. Kendall or of Mr. J. Johnson." [1 (Nov 1819): 1]

• Kendall promised that an increase in subscribers would lead to improvements: "Should the subscription increase so as to justify the additional expence, this Gazette will be handsomely ornamented with cuts." [1 (Nov 1819): 3] It wasn't.

continued by: Oliver Kendall, jr, published the Juvenile Gazette ; 24 Nov 1827-15 Nov 1828

source of information: APS reel 121; Strohecker; AAS catalog

available: APS II (1800-1850), reel 121

bibliography: Edwin Charles Strohecker. "American Juvenile Literary Periodicals, 1789-1826." PhD diss. Michigan, 1969.