Exhibits contain tag : american-political-magazine

Harper's Weekly - Loose Pages - Rich Breiman collection

7/8/24Harper's Weekly was a prominent American illustrated magazine published by Harper & Brothers from 1857 to 1916. It was known for its extensive coverage of political, military, social, and cultural events, particularly during the Civil War and the Reconstruction era.Key Features and Historical Context- Founding and Popularity: Harper's Weekly began publication in 1857 and quickly gained popularity due to its high-quality illustrations and editorial content. By the end of 1861, it had a circulation of 120,000, making it one of the leading magazines of the Civil War period[2].- Illustrations and Artists: The magazine featured illustrations by notable artists such as Winslow Homer, Thomas Nast, and Mathew Brady. These illustrations played a significant role in its appeal and influence[1].- Civil War Coverage: Harper's Weekly was widely read by Union soldiers and provided extensive coverage of the Civil War. It supported the Lincoln administration and the Union cause, although it maintained a less strident tone compared to some of its contributors like Thomas Nast[2][3].- Political Influence: The magazine's influence peaked during the 1870s, particularly through Nast's cartoons attacking New York's Tammany Hall and political figures like William Tweed. These cartoons gained national attention and were especially favored by Republicans[2].- Decline and Cessation: The magazine began to lose favor in 1884 due to its opposition to the Republican presidential nominee, James G. Blaine. This led to a decline in circulation and ongoing conflicts within the editorial team. Thomas Nast left the magazine in 1887, and Harper's Weekly eventually ceased publication in 1916[2].Content and Legacy- Content Variety: Harper's Weekly included a mix of news, literary content, poems, humor, and serialized stories, such as Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations." It also featured significant historical documents and illustrations, like President Lincoln's proclamation of war and the bombing of Fort Sumter[3].- Legacy: Despite its cessation in 1916, Harper's Weekly left a lasting legacy in American journalism and illustration. It set a standard for illustrated magazines and played a crucial role in shaping public opinion during significant historical events.For more detailed information, you can explore the archives and historical analyses available through various academic and library resources[1][2][3][4].Source: Perplexity.aiCurated by Gabrielle LyKeyword: richbreiman

Harper's Weekly Folio Pages - Rich Breiman collection

7/8/24Harper's Weekly was an American political magazine published in New York City from 1857 to 1916[1]. It was founded by Fletcher Harper of Harper & Brothers publishing company and quickly became one of the most widely read journals in the United States during the mid-19th century, particularly during the American Civil War era[1].The magazine was published in folio format (large pages) for several reasons:1. To accommodate large illustrations: Harper's Weekly was known for its high-quality illustrations, including political cartoons, depictions of current events, and artwork by renowned illustrators like Thomas Nast and Winslow Homer[1]. The large folio pages allowed these illustrations to be presented in detail and with impact.2. To provide comprehensive coverage: The folio format allowed for extensive articles on foreign and domestic news, fiction, essays, and humor to be presented alongside the illustrations[1].3. To match contemporary publishing trends: Many newspapers and magazines of the time were published in folio format, as it was considered suitable for presenting a wide range of content.4. To create a prestigious appearance: The large format gave the publication a substantial and authoritative look, befitting its subtitle "A Journal of Civilization"[3].The folio format typically measured around 39.5 cm (15.5 inches) in height[2], which allowed for a striking visual presentation of both text and images. This format was particularly effective for the magazine's extensive coverage of the American Civil War, including many detailed illustrations of war events[1].Harper's Weekly's large format and comprehensive content made it an influential publication of its time, serving as a significant source of news, entertainment, and political commentary for American readers throughout its 59-year run[1].Source: Perplexity.aiCurated by Gabrielle LyKeyword: richbreiman