The New York Times Magazine was an unusual blend of academic articles as well as more popular features. During the WWII, this black and white weekly published stunning photojournalism and probing analyses of international diplomacy in the changing political landscape.
Contributions were of the highest repute, often written by academics or politicians, and dealt with lofty concepts, such as democracy and freedom. The famous and powerful – including Orson Welles and LBJ’s personal advisor – were regularly profiled.
But the New York Times Magazine had a lighter side. Punctuating the more serious material were articles on fashion, food and teen issues. Beauty tips followed on from commentaries on classical music and the American judicial system.
The academic nature of the magazine was reinforced by the presence of a ‘School Directory’ in the back pages. But even this could not distract the reader from the colour advertisements for ‘Instant Ice Cream’ (just add water) or ‘Gorton’s Fibred Codfish Balls’. A quality highbrow publication with just a touch of zaniness.
Below are example magazine covers from different decades. Click on an image to view a larger version.
