New Humanist: A Legacy of Rationalism and Scepticism
In an era of rapid information exchange, New Humanist stands as a cornerstone of British intellectual discourse. Based in London and published by Humanists UK, this quarterly current affairs magazine provides a dedicated platform for exploring culture, news, philosophy, and science through a sceptical perspective—an approach that prioritizes evidence and reason over dogma.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1885 (originally as Watts's Literary Guide).
- Publisher: Humanists UK.
- Frequency: Quarterly.
- Focus: Humanism, rationalism, science, and philosophy.
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
- Recent Accolades: Winner of the Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award (2023 and 2024).
A Century of Intellectual Evolution
The publication has a rich history spanning 141 years, evolving its identity to reflect the changing landscape of rationalist thought. It began its journey in November 1885 as Watts's Literary Guide, founded by C. A. Watts. Over the decades, the magazine underwent several name changes to better align with its mission:
- The Literary Guide and Rationalist Review (1894–1954)
- Humanist (1956–1971)
- New Humanist (1972–Present)
For the first 139 years of its existence, the magazine was published by the Rationalist Association. However, in January 2025, the Rationalist Association merged with Humanists UK, bringing the publication under its current stewardship.
Editorial Leadership and Contributors
The magazine has been shaped by a series of dedicated editors. Jim Herrick led the publication from 1984 to 2002, later serving as literary editor until 2005. He was followed by Frank Jordans (2002–2005), Caspar Melville (Managing Editor from 2005), Daniel Trilling (2013), and Samira Shackle (spring 2020 to spring 2023). Currently, the magazine is edited by Niki Seth-Smith.
The publication is renowned for its high-caliber contributors. Notable columnists past and present include Michael Rosen, Marcus Chown, Laurie Taylor, Simon Hoggart, Sally Feldman, Shaparak Khorsandi, and Samira Ahmed.
The New Editorial Board
In May 2025, Humanists UK appointed Ian Dunt to chair the magazine's new editorial board. By February 2026, the board was expanded to include a diverse array of experts across various fields:
- Science and Technology: Physicist Jim Al-Khalili, geneticist Adam Rutherford, and AI expert Kate Devlin.
- Philosophy: AC Grayling and Jonathan Wolff.
- Journalism and Sociology: Polly Toynbee, Stephen Bush, Peter Geogheghan, Samira Ahmed, and Laurie Taylor.
- Arts and Politics: Author Natasha Walter, political scientist Brian Klaas, and writer Shaparak Khorsandi.
Publication Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 0306-512X |
| Language | English |
| Website | newhumanist.org.uk |
| Core Categories | Humanism, Rationalism |
| Base of Operations | London, UK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of New Humanist?
New Humanist is a current affairs magazine that examines culture, news, philosophy, and science from a sceptical perspective, rooted in the principles of humanism and rationalism.
Who currently publishes the magazine?
The magazine is published by Humanists UK, following the merger of the Rationalist Association with Humanists UK in January 2025.
How often is New Humanist published?
The magazine is published on a quarterly basis.
What awards has the magazine recently won?
New Humanist won the Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award in both 2023 and 2024, and it was shortlisted for the Foreign Press Association awards in 2023.
Who chairs the editorial board as of 2025?
Ian Dunt was appointed to chair the new editorial board in May 2025.