American Magazines Before 1900: 

A Publisher's History

The purpose of this site is to provide a home for the evolving contents of a book in progress: American Magazines Before 1900: A Publisher’s History.  The period covered in this book was a time of unprecedented change in magazine publishing, and tracing the change reveals not only the development of American journalism, but the origins of modern media. 

Magazines are unique artifacts from the past, providing a comprehensive view into their times. The word magazine originally meant storehouse, and, appropriately, each copy of an old magazine holds a glimpse of the world into which it was published.  

Magazines draw together communities of people who not only share a common interest but want to explore it further.  A well-executed magazine reflects the passions of its readers, and readers respond when their passions are served.  Looking at old American magazines is a great way to experience the passions that built the country we live in today.

Read on to explore a fascinating period in American publishing.