The Yale Review is a quarterly literary magazine that has been in publication since 1911, making it one of the oldest and most respected literary journals in the United States. The magazine was founded by a group of Yale University students, including Wilbur Cross, who later became the governor of Connecticut, with the goal of creating a publication that would showcase the best of contemporary literature and provide a platform for emerging writers. Over the years, The Yale Review has published the work of some of the most influential and innovative writers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including T.S. Eliot, Langston Hughes, and Susan Sontag.
A Brief History of The Yale Review
During its early years, The Yale Review was closely tied to the Yale University community, with many of its editors and contributors drawn from the university’s faculty and student body. However, under the editorship of Wilbur Cross, the magazine began to establish a reputation as a major literary publication, attracting contributions from writers across the United States and beyond. In the 1920s and 1930s, The Yale Review became a key platform for the Modernist movement, publishing the work of writers such as Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway. The magazine’s influence continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with editors such as Robert Penn Warren and Stanley Kauffmann playing a significant role in shaping American literary culture.
Notable Editors and Contributors
One of the key factors that has contributed to The Yale Review’s enduring success is the quality of its editors and contributors. Over the years, the magazine has been edited by some of the most distinguished literary figures of their time, including John Hersey and J.D. McClatchy. The magazine has also published the work of a wide range of notable writers, including Flannery O’Connor, James Baldwin, and Adrienne Rich. In addition to its literary content, The Yale Review has also featured essays and reviews by prominent critics and scholars, such as Harold Bloom and Cynthia Ozick.
| Editor | Years of Service |
|---|---|
| Wilbur Cross | 1911-1937 |
| Robert Penn Warren | 1955-1958 |
| Stanley Kauffmann | 1958-1963 |
| J.D. McClatchy | 1991-2013 |
Current Editorial Direction
Today, The Yale Review is edited by Meghan O’Rourke, who has continued the magazine’s tradition of publishing innovative and provocative writing. Under O’Rourke’s editorship, the magazine has featured work by a diverse range of writers, including Ottessa Moshfegh, George Saunders, and Jennifer Egan. The magazine has also expanded its online presence, publishing original content on its website and engaging with readers through social media. Despite the challenges faced by literary magazines in the digital age, The Yale Review remains a vital and influential publication, committed to showcasing the best of contemporary literature and providing a platform for writers to experiment and innovate.
Recent Issues and Initiatives
Recent issues of The Yale Review have featured a range of themes and topics, from the environmental crisis to the politics of identity. The magazine has also launched several initiatives aimed at promoting literary culture and supporting emerging writers, including a writers’ workshop and a literary prize. These initiatives reflect the magazine’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sense of community among writers and readers, and to providing opportunities for writers to develop their craft and share their work with a wider audience.
- Recent issues have featured work by writers such as Lydia Davis and Ben Lerner
- The magazine has launched a series of online essays and reviews, featuring writers such as Rebecca Mead and James Wood
- The Yale Review has partnered with other literary organizations to promote literary culture and support emerging writers
What is the submission process for The Yale Review?
+The Yale Review accepts submissions of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction through its online submission portal. Writers can submit their work for consideration for publication in the magazine, and the editorial team reviews all submissions carefully. The magazine also offers a range of guidelines and resources for writers, including information on submission deadlines and editorial policies.
How can I subscribe to The Yale Review?
+The Yale Review offers a range of subscription options, including print and digital subscriptions. Readers can subscribe to the magazine through its website, and can also purchase individual issues or back issues. The magazine also offers a range of discounts and promotions for students, seniors, and other groups.
