Magazine Publishing History

A Brief History of Magazine Publishing in the United States

Magazines are part of the social and economic history of America.

Magazine publishing in America began in 1741. The first examples lasted only a few months. One of these was published by Benjamin Franklin. Close to one hundred magazines offering a variety of subject matter had appeared by the end of the 1700’s. Most were geographically limited and were short-lived.

The 1800’s saw the beginning of mass circulation. Some magazines saw circulations increase to 750,000 subscriptions especially in the general boom after the Civil War. Magazines, which were originally aimed at those who could afford them, became an item which the general populace could purchase as the century ended. Content moved from an orientation towards education and life enhancement to more of a focus on entertainment.

A better educated public and favorable postal rates in the late 1800’s helped push circulation numbers higher. As with newspapers, high circulation rates meant more advertising revenue. This enabled the practice of selling magazines at less than the cost of production, a situation still in effect for the most part. By 1900, advertising was about 50% of magazine content. By mid century, advertising had grown to more like 65% of copy content.

A fuller history of magazine publishing history, in the United States and other countries, can be found at Brittanica.com.* Click here.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Email: BookSpring Customer Support

* Information used in this brief history was gleaned from the more expansive collection of articles at Britannica.com.

ikirikochi