With reference to the contemporary newspaper "Gazzetta di Mantova", which can trace its roots back to the year 1664, the present study outlines the development of a newspaper through four centuries. The perspective is a dual one, historical and political on the one hand, textual and linguistic on the other, making the book as interesting for the press historian as for the historical linguist. Its main claim to innovative status lies in the linguistic aspect, as diachronic studies of such comprehensive scope on the structure of newspaper language have not been otherwise forthcoming. As a 'by-product', the study provides a wealth of information with a bearing on Italian area studies. The monograph also extends its purview to take a selective glance at other comparable newspapers and includes supplementary text examples culled from these.