#451 The New Yorker Magazine: Talk of the Town for 100 Years
Feb 28, 2025
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Julie Golia and Julie Carlson, curators at the New York Public Library, discuss the centennial of The New Yorker magazine. They share insights on its glamorous origins linked to the Algonquin Round Table and its transformation through the decades. The duo highlights Eustace Tilly, the magazine's iconic mascot, and explorations of early contributors' impact. Listeners will also discover how the publication has adapted to changing media landscapes while maintaining its unique voice and style throughout a storied history.
The New Yorker, founded by Harold Ross and Jane Grant, maintains its sophisticated tone while reflecting its Jazz Age origins and urban appeal.
World War II catalyzed a shift in the New Yorker towards impactful journalism, exemplified by John Hersey's 'Hiroshima' which showcased societal critique.
Under David Remnick’s editorship, the New Yorker successfully adapted to digital media, enhancing storytelling and expanding its audience in a changing landscape.
Deep dives
The New Yorker: A Cultural Staple Since 1925
The New Yorker magazine, which debuted on February 21, 1925, is recognized for its distinctive style and sophisticated tone, developed by its founders Harold Ross and Jane Grant. Initially inspired by the vibrant intellectual community of the Algonquin Roundtable, the magazine sought to appeal to a metropolitan audience with a mix of humor, wit, and urbanity. The publication's covers, featuring illustrated designs, align with its ongoing commitment to showcase New York's essence and cultural happenings. The rich history encapsulated in the magazine reflects its evolution alongside the city itself, maintaining a contemporary relevance even as it pays homage to its jazz age origins.
Harold Ross and Jane Grant: The Visionaries Behind the Magazine
Harold Ross and Jane Grant were pivotal in shaping the New Yorker’s identity, drawing upon their experiences and connections within the Algonquin Roundtable. Their vision for the magazine included not only sophisticated humor but also a clear rejection of mediocrity, as encapsulated in their prospectus that asserted the magazine would cater to an enlightened audience. Despite initial challenges, including low sales and financial struggles, their determination and resourcefulness ultimately led to the magazine’s survival and growth. The importance of Jane Grant, often overshadowed by her husband, is increasingly recognized as she played a crucial role in garnering support and funding essential for launching the magazine.
Transition Through Controversies and Historical Moments
The New Yorker gained prominence during World War II by embracing serious journalism, which marked a significant shift in its narrative style under the editorship of William Shawn. The notable publication of John Hersey's 'Hiroshima' illustrated the magazine’s commitment to impactful storytelling, providing an unflinching look at the consequences of war. The piece set a precedent for the New Yorker as an influential voice in American journalism, showcasing the magazine's ability to tackle pressing issues and societal critiques. This evolution towards more hard-hitting journalism became a defining characteristic of the magazine's identity and relevance.
Art and Cartoon Legacy: The New Yorker's Charm
Cartoons have long been a hallmark of the New Yorker, initially intended to entertain while often delivering social commentary and satire. The iconic character Eustace Tilly symbolized the magazine's self-aware and ironic perspective, mocking elitism while also reflecting the publication’s sophisticated nature. The introduction of visual art, including spot illustrations and contributions from diverse artists, enriched the magazine's overall aesthetic and allowed for broader representation. Over the decades, these elements have contributed to the magazine's unique ability to balance humor with cultural critique, making it an enduring staple in literary and artistic circles.
Modernization and Digital Transformation
Under David Remnick’s leadership since 1998, the New Yorker has adapted to the challenges of a digital media landscape, expanding its reach through online platforms and various content formats. The magazine was among the first to harness the digital medium, enhancing its storytelling via podcasts, articles, and even festivals. This transformation enabled the New Yorker to maintain its legacy of quality journalism while attracting new audiences, ensuring its relevance in an ever-changing marketplace. The centennial celebration showcases not only the magazine's rich history but also its ongoing evolution as a dynamic member of the media ecosystem.
The New Yorker turns one century old -- and it hasn't aged a day! The witty, cosmopolitan magazine was first published on February 21, 1925. And even though present-day issues are often quite contemporary in content, the magazine's tone and style still recall its glamorous Jazz Age origins.
The New Yorker traces itself to members of that legendary group of wits known as the Algonquin Round Table -- renowned artists, critics and playwrights who met every day for lunch at the Algonquin Hotel.
And in particular, to two married journalists – Harold Ross and Jane Grant – who infused the magazine with a very distinct cosmopolitan zest. High fashion, martinis and Midtown Manhattan mixed with the droll wit of a worldly literati.
A new exhibition at the New York Public Library -- “A Century of the New Yorker” -- chronicles the magazine’s history, from its origins and creation by Harold Ross and Jane Grant to its current era, under the editorship of David Remnick.
Greg and Tom interview the show's two curators Julie Golia and Julie Carlsen about the treasures on display from the New Yorker's glorious past -- from the magazine's first cover (featuring everybody's favorite snob Eustace Tilly) to artifacts and manuscripts from the world's greatest writers.