The New Yorker Radio Hour The New Yorker Celebrates a Hundred Years as a Poetry and Fiction Tastemaker
6 snips
Feb 4, 2025 
Kevin Young, the poetry editor at The New Yorker and director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, shares his insights on the magazine’s evolution as a literary beacon. He reflects on the thrill of curating a century of poetry and fiction, emphasizing the transformative power of rejection in a writer's journey. Young also discusses the crucial role of poetry during crises, highlighting poignant works like Adam Zagievsky's in the wake of 9/11, and celebrates the fresh voices that continue to shape The New Yorker's narrative landscape.
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Early Inspiration and Lack of Diversity
- Kevin Young, as a teen, cherished "The New Yorker Book of Poems."
- He later realized its lack of diversity, inspiring his own inclusive anthology.
Reasons for Lack of Diversity
- The New Yorker's poetry lacked diversity, excluding poets of color and various traditions.
- This oversight stemmed from a narrow taste and perhaps a lack of submissions.
Salinger's Journey
- J. D. Salinger initially rejected The New Yorker but later developed a warmer relationship.
- Editors fear missing potential geniuses, especially given inconsistent early work.
