The Swedish press, during the 17th, 18th, 19th ,20th and early 21st centuries continually reflected what was happening in the outside world and in its choice of format was influenced by developments in England, France, Germany, the US and the other Nordic countries. At the same time, it is apparent that the Swedish press, with its early freedom of the press legislation at its back, displayed an attitude towards the government authorities, as well as a balance between large and small publications, national capital and provincial press, and newspapers and magazines, constitutes a press history that is of interest even from an international perspective.