Harper's Magazine

Harper's Magazine is a monthly publication that covers literature, politics, culture, finance, and the arts. It holds a unique place in American history as the oldest continuously published monthly magazine in the United States. Since its launch in June 1850, it has become a major voice in media. The magazine has earned 22 National Magazine Awards for its quality. It is highly regarded by a specific audience. A 2012 Pew Research Center study found that it ranks among the highest in college-educated readership. This puts it alongside other major outlets like The Atlantic and The New Yorker.

The magazine uses several distinct departments to organize its content. One notable feature is the "Harper's Index," which uses statistics from current events to provide insight. This section works alongside other departments called "Readings" and "Annotation." These parts complement the magazine's main offerings of fiction, essays, reportage, and reviews. In the digital age, the magazine has also expanded to include several blogs. It also publishes a newsletter known as the "Weekly Review." This newsletter provides a three-paragraph distillation of political, scientific, and bizarre news. Often, these items are arranged to create an ironic contrast.

Historically, the magazine has been a platform for many famous authors and leaders. In its early years, it reprinted works by English authors like Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters. It eventually transitioned to publishing American artists and writers. For example, portions of Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick appeared in the October 1851 issue. These excerpts were titled "The Town-Ho's Story," taken from Chapter 54 of the book. Over time, the magazine published commentary from figures such as Winston Churchill and Woodrow Wilson. It has also featured literary fiction from authors like John Updike and George Saunders.

The origins of the magazine trace back to the founders of Harper & Brothers in New York City. The first press run included 7,500 copies, which sold out almost immediately. Within just six months, the circulation had grown to 50,000 copies. The company that founded it also created Harper's Weekly and Harper's Bazaar. While Harper's Magazine shares historical ties to the publishing house Harper, it is not currently affiliated with it. The original house merged with William Collins, Sons to become HarperCollins. Today, Harper's Bazaar is a separate, independently produced fashion magazine.

The magazine has faced significant institutional changes and moments of crisis. In 1965, it became a division of the Minneapolis Star and Tribune Company. In 1971, editor Willie Morris resigned under pressure from owner John Cowles Jr. This event caused many star contributors and staffers to resign as well. By 1980, the Star Tribune announced it would stop publishing the magazine. However, Rick and Roderick MacArthur helped amass $1.5 million to establish the Harper's Magazine Foundation. This foundation now manages the publication. This move ensured the magazine could continue its long history.

Throughout its life, Harper's has been involved in many public controversies. In 1970, a cover essay regarding sexual identity caused significant backlash from the Gay Activists Alliance. Later, in 2004, a photo essay by Peter Turnley included an image of an open casket during a funeral. This led to a legal case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2007. The Court ruled that while the publication was in "poor taste," it did not violate privacy rights. The magazine has also seen many changes in leadership. Several editors have served short terms or been dismissed during periods of internal disagreement.

Beyond individual stories, Harper's Magazine connects to broader social and political discussions. It has been a vocal critic of various U.S. domestic and foreign policies. For instance, starting in 2003, it focused heavily on reporting regarding the Iraq War. It has also covered complex topics like global warming, cloning, and abortion issues. In 2020, the magazine published "A Letter on Justice and Open Debate." This letter promoted the tolerance of different viewpoints and criticized "illiberalism." This ongoing engagement with difficult topics keeps the magazine central to American cultural and political life.