The New Yorker at 100: How a Poker Game Spawned a Journalism Icon

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 a poker game.

Ross wanted a publication for young, metropolitan readers. He felt existing magazines were too predictable. His vision redefined American journalism.

A Gamble on Sophistication and Wit

Harold Ross was a high school dropout. He was a charismatic figure with a crew cut. According to Reuters, he enlisted during World War I.

He later worked on the Stars and Stripes newspaper in France. After the war, he joined the Algonquin Round Table in New York. This group included the city’s brightest literary minds.

Ross played poker regularly with Raoul Fleischmann. Fleischmann came from a wealthy yeast-making family. He provided the initial $25,000 investment for the magazine.

Ross’s prospectus promised a reflection of metropolitan life. He said it would be “gay, witty, and satirical.” He famously stated it was not for “the old lady in Dubuque.”

Building a Lasting Literary Legacy

The first issue launched on February 21, 1925. Its cover featured the dandy Eustace Tilley. The early content was a patchwork of jokes and reviews.

The magazine struggled initially. Ross nearly lost it all in another poker game. He accrued massive debt but convinced Fleischmann to let him work it off.

The New Yorker soon found its footing. Ross had a genius for spotting talent. He hired legends like James Thurber and E.B. White.

He also hired Katharine S. Angell as the first fiction editor. She provided crucial editorial guidance. The magazine developed its signature in-depth profiles and cartoons.

Ross was a perfectionist about grammar and facts. He covered manuscripts with queries like “Who he?”. This commitment to accuracy became a hallmark.

During World War II, the magazine found its serious voice. It published seminal works from writers like John Hersey. His report on Hiroshima was a landmark in journalism.

The New Yorker’s centennial marks a century of influential storytelling. Its unique voice continues to shape public discourse. The magazine remains a testament to its founder’s bold vision.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Who founded The New Yorker magazine?

The New Yorker was founded by Harold Ross. He was a journalist and World War I veteran. Ross launched the magazine on February 21, 1925.

Q2: How did a poker game help start The New Yorker?

Ross played poker with Raoul Fleischmann, a heir to a yeast fortune. Fleischmann provided the crucial startup capital. His investment of $25,000 allowed the magazine to begin publication.

Q3: What was Harold Ross’s vision for the magazine?

Ross wanted a sophisticated weekly for metropolitan readers. He emphasized wit, satire, and quality writing. He explicitly stated it was not for provincial tastes.

Q4: What are some trademarks of The New Yorker?

The magazine is known for its in-depth profiles and literary fiction. It also features its famous one-panel cartoons. The Talk of the Town section is another iconic feature.

Q5: Which famous writers were early contributors?

James Thurber and E.B. White were among the first major hires. Katharine S. Angell was the influential first fiction editor. These writers helped define the magazine’s unique voice.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, BBC