Magazines and historical newspapers

In the 1760s, Venice was not only the city of regattas and carnival, but also the beating heart of printing, even if the book trade and the printing industry were then going through a phase of crisis.

Despite the difficulties, Venetian publishing remains dynamic, refining communication techniques. The periodical press renews itself and seeks to capture the attention of an ever-widening public, perceptively perceiving the changes of the times.

Before modern journalism, information came through simple but effective forms such as "letters of notice," "detailed tales," and "printed posters", precursors of newspapers between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Originally, journalism was done by hand, literally: early "newspapers" were handwritten and spread
predictions, almanacs, satirical essays, and news of public interest, often related to economics or
administration.

Around 1560-1563, weekly "notices," also known as "broglietti," were launched in Venice. So popular for their price that they begin to be called "gazettes".

In the 17th century, "mercuri" appeared alongside notices: lively and immediate tales that not only informed but also entertained and offered food for thought on the events of the time.

He is credited with successful publications such as the "Pallade veneta," the "Galleria di Minerva," and the "Giornale veneto de' letterati."

But he is not the only one to make his mark. In 1710, three great intellectuals - Scipione Maffei, Antonio Vallisnieri and Apostolo Zeno - started the "Giornale de' letterati d'Italia," an ambitious publishing project that was launched in Venice.