Gentleman’s Magazine

Gentleman's Magazine

Categories	Periodicals
Frequency	Monthly
First issue	January 1731
Final issue	September 1907
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Gentleman's Magazine was a monthly magazine first published in January 1731 in London. It is considered to have been the first general-interest magazine in the United Kingdom. The publication featured a wide array of content including news, essays, poetry, stories, and political commentary.

History

Gentleman's Magazine was founded by Edward Cave, who coined the term "magazine" from the Arabic word makhazin, which means "storehouse". Cave used the magazine format to create a repository of books and other materials of interest to the educated public. The magazine was published continuously until September 1907.

Throughout its long history, the magazine was known for its high-quality engravings and comprehensive obituaries of notable individuals. It also included articles on a wide range of subjects, from science and technology to literature and politics, making it a valuable resource for researchers of the period.

Impact

Gentleman's Magazine played a significant role in the culture of the 18th and 19th centuries. It helped to shape the modern magazine industry by demonstrating that magazines could be a profitable enterprise and an influential form of mass communication. The publication also contributed to the education and engagement of the public in matters of politics, science, and the arts.

Legacy

The influence of Gentleman's Magazine extends into the present day, with numerous scholars referring to its archives for insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is often cited in historical and literary studies, underscoring its importance as a primary source for researchers.

See also

• Edward Cave
• Magazine
• History of British newspapers