Collier's

Collier's was an American magazine, founded in 1888 by Peter Fenelon Collier. It was initially launched as Collier's Once a Week, then changed in 1895 to Collier's Weekly: An Illustrated Journal, and finally shortened in 1905 to simply Collier's. The magazine had a long and distinguished history as a leading publication for fiction, journalism, and illustrations. It was known for its investigative journalism and was a pioneer in the field, publishing articles that led to significant social reforms.

History

Collier's established itself as a major force in American journalism under the guidance of its founder, Peter Fenelon Collier, and later, under the editorship of Norman Hapgood from 1903 to 1913. The magazine became famous for its investigative journalism, notably its exposés on the patent medicine industry, child labor, and the meat packing industry. These articles often led to public outcry and were instrumental in the passage of important legislation, such as the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

During its peak, Collier's was a competitor to Saturday Evening Post and Ladies' Home Journal, boasting a circulation of over a million copies. It was renowned for its fiction, featuring stories by well-known authors such as Jack London, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The magazine also made significant contributions to the visual arts, employing famous illustrators like Norman Rockwell, Charles Dana Gibson, and John Held Jr..

Decline and Closure

Despite its success, Collier's began to decline after World War II due to rising costs and changes in readers' tastes and media consumption. The magazine struggled financially and tried various strategies to revive its fortunes, including changes in format and editorial direction. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and Collier's published its last issue on January 4, 1957, marking the end of an era in American publishing.

Legacy

The legacy of Collier's lives on through its contributions to journalism and literature. The magazine's commitment to investigative journalism and social reform had a lasting impact on American society, influencing legislation and public opinion. Its archives serve as a valuable resource for historians and researchers, offering insights into the cultural and social history of the United States during the first half of the 20th century.

See Also

• Magazine
• Investigative Journalism
• American Literature
• Illustration