Printers' Ink - issue of 1904-01-06 (Vol 46, Iss 1)
The pattern
This still is filed under Lettered cover hook.
Define
The cover is the hook, and the hook is lettering: a title treated as an image.
Mechanism
Type as bait. The words are drawn so they stop the hand before the contents are known.
Verdict
A journal, book, or issue must sell itself on a rack or a feed
Why it works
It breaks down the broad claim of state dominance into specific, credible regions and circulation numbers, proving why the combination of papers is essential for advertisers.
Steal this when
You are pitching a bundle or network of local services as a unified regional powerhouse.