War Reporting in 18th Century Polish Handwritten Newssheets

Polish newssheets of the 18th century not only had a great infl uence on the attitudes and patterns of behaviour of their readers but also imprinted the stereotypes they peddled into the social consciousness of the Poles. A number of the newssheet editors had a considerable knowledge of both national and international politics, which they saw primarily in terms of waging wars and diplomatic gamesmanship. They tested their own opinions against the views of their readers thus helping to spread perceptions and attitudes that were already functioning in some sections of the public opinion or, alternately, popularizing new patterns of behaviour (funded on the ideas of pacifi sm and toleration). In either case, they helped to wake up in their readers an interest in the wider world