Blog #9: Magazines Sweep the Nation

Between the time span of 1865-1914 several inventions were introduced such as the lightbulb, telephone, typewriter, radio, the motion picture, automobile and the airplane. These inventions in turn created changes in print culture such as new methods for printing, making paper, and methods of distribution. The literacy, education, and library rates also grew and more people had access to books and means of reading through libraries and bookstores. However, deep poetry diminished at this time and the short story and magazine became the prevalent source of reading material. Fiction also thrived and was the most popular literary genre of the time. Stories of rags-to-riches, tales of adventure, and historical romances filled novels and short stories. One of the contemporary connections from this time period that is still in relationship with today’s culture is that of the magazine. Magazines took flight as “readers were attracted by the colorful covers, lavish illustrations, and modest cost” they provided. All kinds of stories were published in magazines from short stories to periodicals empowering women. I think that this relates to today’s culture as I think that magazines are still the most read literature. Every time we walk into the waiting room of a doctor’s office, dentist office, dance studio, or wherever they have magazines spread out across the table. Not novels or book of poetry or fiction, but magazines. I feel that magazines are a colorful and creative way of grabbing someone’s attention and telling a story with pictures and illustrations with few words. They provide sources of gossip, news, style, home, and lifestyle information. In 1870, magazines published readings that focused attention on the right for women to vote and their struggle for political rights and social equality. Now a days, it’s who is dating who, who got voted off of Dancing with the Stars, and what new celebrity marriage or divorces is sweeping the nation. Even though the content of magazines has developed and changed over time the layout and purpose are still similar. Magazines are also cheaper than books and novels so this also sways people to buy magazines rather than other forms of literature. Magazines can also be read within an hour or so while novels may take anywhere from a whole day to months.