The Paris Review: A Legacy of Literary Excellence and Artistic Independence
For over seven decades, The Paris Review has stood as a cornerstone of the English-language literary world. Established in 1953, this quarterly magazine began as a bold experiment in postwar Paris, designed to prioritize creative work over the critical analysis that dominated most literary journals of the era. By providing a platform for both established masters and emerging voices, it has shaped the landscape of modern fiction and poetry.
The magazine was founded by Harold L. Humes, Peter Matthiessen, and George Plimpton, who served as editor from the inception until his death in 2003. While it began in the vibrant, affordable literary scene of France—where many American writers resided under the G.I. Bill—the publication eventually shifted its center of gravity, moving its headquarters to New York City in 1973.
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Key Facts
- Founded: Spring 1953 in Paris, France.
- Headquarters: New York City, U.S. (since 1973).
- Frequency: Quarterly.
- Core Focus: Fiction, poetry, and long-form interviews.
- Governing Body: The Paris Review Foundation (501(c)(3) non-profit).
- Notable Series: "Writers at Work" interviews.
A History of Literary Evolution
The Paris Years and Early Vision
In its early days, The Paris Review sought to remove criticism from its dominating position in literary magazines. This vision was articulated by William Styron in the inaugural issue, emphasizing a welcome for "good writers and good poets" regardless of their standing in the establishment. The magazine's early identity was visually defined by art editor William Pène du Bois, who created the iconic eagle logo—an American eagle wearing a Phrygian cap and holding a pen, symbolizing the blend of American and French influences.
The publication's early history is marked by eclectic locations, ranging from a small room at Éditions de la Table ronde to a Thames River grain carrier anchored on the Seine between 1956 and 1957. Staff and writers frequently gathered at the Café de Tournon on the Rive Gauche to collaborate.
Transition to the 21st Century
Following George Plimpton's tenure, the magazine saw a succession of editors who modernized its approach. Brigid Hughes became the first female editor in 2004, followed by Philip Gourevitch in 2005. Under Gourevitch, the Review expanded its scope to include more nonfiction and regular photography spreads.
Lorin Stein, appointed in 2010, led a critically acclaimed redesign of the print edition and website, including the digitalization of the entire interview archive. Most recently, under editor Emily Stokes and art director Na Kim, the journal underwent a 2021 redesign by Matt Willey of Pentagram, returning to a minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of the late 1960s.
The "Writers at Work" Series and Artistic Reach
Perhaps the most enduring contribution of the magazine is the Writers at Work series. Beginning with an interview with E. M. Forster, these conversations have become canonical, setting the gold standard for how literary dialogue is captured on the page.
Beyond the written word, the magazine has fostered a relationship with the visual arts. In 1964, it launched a series of prints and posters featuring legendary artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Robert Rauschenberg. This initiative, suspended in 2003 and relaunched in 2012, bridges the gap between the worlds of writing and fine art.
Supporting Emerging Talent and Awards
The Paris Review has a storied history of identifying talent early. It published early works by figures such as Jack Kerouac, Samuel Beckett, and Adrienne Rich. Today, it continues this tradition through various prizes and columns, such as Aisha Sabatini Sloan's "Detroit Archives."
The magazine awards three annual prizes to celebrate excellence in writing:
- The Plimpton Prize: A $10,000 award (and an engraved ostrich egg) for the best fiction or poetry by an emerging or unpublished writer.
- The Terry Southern Prize for Humor: A $5,000 award for work embodying wit and sprezzatura (studied carelessness).
- The Paris Review Hadada: A prestigious honor presented during the annual Spring Revel gala.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 0031-2037 |
| First Publisher | Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan |
| Current Editor | Emily Stokes |
| Digital Presence | theparisreview.org / iOS App |
| Annual Event | Spring Revel |
The CIA Controversy
In 2007, reports surfaced that founding editor Peter Matthiessen had been employed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the magazine's founding, using the publication as a cover for his activities. While historians note that the Review was not directly funded by the CIA, it operated within a network of cultural institutions supported by the CIA-backed Congress for Cultural Freedom (CCF). Matthiessen later expressed regret for his involvement, asserting that the magazine remained editorially independent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Spring Revel?
The Spring Revel is an annual gala that celebrates American writers and writing. It brings together patrons and leading figures of the arts to pay tribute to distinguished writers. All proceeds benefit The Paris Review Foundation, a non-profit organization that ensures the magazine's future.
Who is eligible for the Plimpton Prize?
The Plimpton Prize is awarded to emerging or previously unpublished writers for the best work of fiction or poetry published in The Paris Review during the previous year.
How has the magazine's format changed over time?
The magazine has evolved from a print-only quarterly to a multi-platform publication. It now includes a website with a full interview archive, a dedicated mobile app for iPad and iPhone, and a digital daily publication.
What is the "Writers at Work" series?
It is a legendary series of long-form interviews with authors that explores their creative processes. It began with an interview with E. M. Forster and is widely considered the industry standard for literary interviews.