The New Yorker Celebrates 100th Anniversary with an Exhibition at NYPL

The iconic American weekly magazine The New Yorker has celebrated its 100th anniversary. Since its first publication on February 21, 1925, it has maintained its reputation with a unique style that encompasses both literature and journalism.

https://www.newyorker.com/100 

Editor-in-chief David Remnick emphasized the importance of maintaining the essence of The New Yorker while adapting to changing times. The New Yorker initially focused on light satire and humor but gradually expanded its scope to include in-depth investigative reporting. It has also been a platform for some of the greatest writers of their time, including James Baldwin, J.D. Salinger, and Pauline Kael.

The New Yorker has also evolved politically. At its founding, it strongly satirized Manhattan's upper class, but now focuses on fact-based in-depth reporting while maintaining a liberal orientation. Remnick stated that The New Yorker prioritizes thorough reporting and verification rather than pushing ideology.

The New Yorker initially focused on light satire and humor but gradually expanded its scope to include in-depth investigative reporting. Harold Ross, the magazine's founding editor, famously declared it was "not for the old lady in Dubuque," positioning it as sophisticated urban content for cosmopolitan readers. This clear audience targeting strategy helped establish a devoted readership and premium advertising platform.

As it evolved, The New Yorker became a coveted platform for some of the greatest writers of their time, including James Baldwin, J.D. Salinger, Pauline Kael, John Updike, and Toni Morrison. The magazine has launched careers, defined literary movements, and shaped cultural discourse – positioning itself as an arbiter of taste and intellectual thought. Its instantly recognizable cover art, distinctive typography, and commitment to long-form journalism have become its signature elements. The magazine's iconic mascot, Eustace Tilley – the monocled dandy illustrated by Rea Irvin for the first cover – remains a symbol of sophisticated wit and cultural observation.

The 100th anniversary issue covers

The New York Public Library is hosting a landmark exhibition commemorating The New Yorker's 100th anniversary. A Century of The New Yorker draws on NYPL's collections, including the magazine's voluminous archives and the papers of many of its contributors, to bring to life the people, stories, and ideas that made The New Yorker. The exhibition runs through February 21, 2026. A good overview of the exhibition is available online at https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/new-yorker-100.