Clare Market Review: A Legacy of Student Thought at LSE
The Clare Market Review (CMR) stands as a historic pillar of intellectual expression for students at the London School of Economics (LSE). For over a century, it has served as a vital outlet for students to voice their opinions, free from the constraints of university academia, blending creative arts with rigorous analysis.
Key Facts
- Purpose: A student-led publication providing a platform for independent thought and creative expression.
- Origins: Active from 1905 to 1973, followed by a long hiatus and subsequent modern relaunches.
- Scope: Content ranges from literary reviews and poetry to financial market analysis and satire.
- Notable Connections: Associated with figures such as Bernard Levin and Karl Popper.
- Modern Format: Now utilizes both digital and print formats to maintain relevancy in the social media era.
Origins and Early History (1905–1973)
Established in 1905, the Clare Market Review was designed to be a space of intellectual freedom. By the early 1970s, editor John Stathatos described the publication's strength as its lack of insularity and its determination to remain independent from both the LSE and the Students' Union that published it.
The journal's content was famously eclectic. At various times, it shifted between deep dives into the world's financial markets and focused explorations of poetry and the arts. However, the early years were not without criticism; a 1907 edition of The Economic Journal noted that while the content was readable, the tiny typeface required a "microscopic eye" to actually read.
Despite these quirks, the CMR earned a lasting reputation. The renowned journalist Bernard Levin, who wrote for both the CMR and The Beaver, has a journalism award named in his honor run jointly by the LSE and The Times. Furthermore, the philosopher Karl Popper kept a copy of the review among his personal papers, and the journal continues to be cited in academic works today.
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The Period of Dormancy and Relaunch
Financial struggles and a decline in student interest led to a significant hiatus starting in 1973. The publication vanished for several decades, leaving behind a legacy of "struggling with the pangs of rebirth" before eventually returning to the LSE community.
In November 2008, a group of students, backed by the Student Union, officially relaunched the journal. This new iteration sought to bridge the gap between the "academic" and the "thinker," creating a collective space for student thought. The relaunch issue (Volume CIV, Issue 1) featured contributions from notable figures including Norman Birnbaum, Roger McGough, and Brian Patten.
Modern Evolution and Digital Transformation
Since 2008, the Clare Market Review has undergone several phases of restructuring to adapt to the modern media landscape.
Editorial Milestones (2012–2015)
Under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Aleona Krechetova (2012-2013) and later Annie May Leonard (2013-2014), the journal produced themed issues such as "Family," "Utopia," and "From Cradle to Grave." The "Utopia" issue notably featured contributions from anthropologist Dr. Jason Hickel and human rights barrister Professor Conor Gearty.
The 2014–2015 academic year marked a pivotal shift with a complete rebranding. To increase relevancy in the age of social media, the journal launched an online edition, making all submissions available for digital viewing. This era culminated in the successful "Tribute" issue (Volume CX).
Recent Developments (2017–Present)
After a brief two-year dormancy, the journal returned in 2017 with the "Metropolis" issue, led by an editorial team including Nash Croker and Rosalie Van Onzenoort. By the 2018/19 academic year, the publication moved to a triannual schedule.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in strategy. Under Editor-in-Chief Rhydian Rolant Cleaver in 2020, the "Nostalgia" issue was moved entirely online due to school closures. Subsequent years saw the publication of "Catharsis" (2021) under Michi Kang and "Discovery & Movement" (2022/23) under Udbela Escanero, the latter utilizing a hybrid digital and print format.
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Summary of Recent Issues and Leadership
| Academic Year / Period | Editor-in-Chief / Key Editors | Notable Issue Themes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–2014 | Annie May Leonard | Family, Utopia, From Cradle to Grave |
| 2014–2015 | Various (Relaunch) | Tribute |
| 2017 | Nash Croker et al. | Metropolis |
| 2020 | Rhydian Rolant Cleaver | Nostalgia |
| 2021–2022 | Michi Kang | Catharsis |
| 2022–2023 | Udbela Escanero | Discovery & Movement |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Clare Market Review?
The CMR aims to provide LSE students with a platform to express their opinions and intellectual thoughts independently, breaking down the boundaries between formal academia and independent thinking.
Who are some of the notable figures associated with the journal?
The journal has connections to the philosopher Karl Popper, who kept a copy in his papers, and journalist Bernard Levin, whose contributions to the CMR and The Beaver are honored via a joint LSE and Times journalism award.
Why did the journal stop publishing between 1973 and 2008?
The hiatus was caused by a combination of financial difficulties and a general decline in interest among the student body during that period.
How has the journal adapted to the digital age?
Starting around 2014, the CMR underwent a rebranding that included the launch of an online edition. This allowed for digital viewing of submissions and helped the journal remain relevant in the era of social media.
What types of content can be found in the Clare Market Review?
The content is highly varied, spanning literary reviews, poetry, visual arts, satire, creative writing, and technical analysis of global financial markets.