The New Yorker at 100: How a Poker Game Launched a Journalism Giant

The New Yorker magazine celebrates its 100th anniversary. It was founded by Harold Ross in 1925. The idea for the sophisticated weekly was born during poker games in New York City. It redefined American journalism with its unique voice.

Ross, a high school dropout, envisioned a magazine for metropolitan readers. He secured funding from his poker partner, Raoul Fleischmann. The publication promised wit and satire, explicitly not for “the old lady in Dubuque.”

A Risky Bet on Metropolitan Sophistication

The first issue debuted on February 21, 1925. Its cover featured the now-iconic dandy, Eustace Tilley. Inside, readers found jokes, poems, and cultural reviews. The initial reception was underwhelming, and the magazine struggled.

Ross nearly lost it all in a drunken poker game months later. He accrued massive debt, threatening the venture. According to historical accounts, he convinced Fleischmann to let him work off the debt. The magazine soon found its audience and advertisers, allowing it to survive.

Forging a Lasting Editorial Legacy

Ross’s genius was spotting and nurturing talent. He hired legendary writers like James Thurber and E.B. White. He also recruited Katharine S. Angell as the first fiction editor. Their work defined the magazine’s intelligent, witty tone.

The New Yorker became known for its in-depth profiles and investigative pieces. It also featured iconic cartoons and short stories. During World War II, it solidified its reputation with seminal reporting. John Hersey’s Hiroshima report remains a landmark in journalism.

The New Yorker’s century-long influence is a testament to Harold Ross’s original vision. It proved that sophisticated, literary journalism could find a devoted audience. The magazine remains a towering institution in American media.

Thought you’d like to know

Who founded The New Yorker magazine?

The New Yorker was founded by Harold Ross. He was a journalist who enlisted during World War I. He launched the magazine with financial backing from Raoul Fleischmann.

What was the original goal of the magazine?

Ross aimed to create a sophisticated weekly for metropolitan readers. He wanted it to be witty and satirical. He famously said it was not for the “old lady in Dubuque.”

When was the first issue published?

The first issue was published on February 21, 1925. It featured the Eustace Tilley illustration on its cover. The magazine struggled initially but soon gained traction.

How did a poker game almost ruin the magazine?

Months after launch, Ross lost a huge sum in a poker game. He owed nearly $30,000, a massive debt at the time. His backer, Fleischmann, was furious but allowed Ross to repay him through his work.

Which famous writers did The New Yorker publish?

The magazine published literary giants like James Thurber and E.B. White. It also featured groundbreaking reporting from John Hersey. These writers helped define its authoritative voice.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press