The press of the early American nation was one of fierce partisanship and rivalry, and the editorship of John Fenno represents that era of American journalism. The son of Ephraim and Mary Chapman Fenno. Fenno was born in Boston on 23 August 1751. His father engaged in the business of dressing leather, while selling cakes and ale on the side. The Old South Writing School on Boston Common was the scene of Fenno's early education: after graduating some time around 1768, young Fenno became an "usher"--assistant teacher--at the school, under the supervision of Samuel Holbrook. A lifelong friendship with one of the school's masters, Joseph Ward, fourteen years senior to Fenno, was struck up during this period. The Ward-Fenno letters provide insight into the friendship, the times, the character, and the editorship of Fenno. He apparently left the school's employ about 1774, and the following fifteen years are not well documented...