Esquire (magazine)

Esquire (magazine). Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, it pioneered the sophisticated men's magazine genre, blending literary journalism with fashion and humor. Under the long editorial direction of figures like Harold Hayes, it became renowned for its groundbreaking New Journalism and provocative covers. Today, published by Hearst Communications, it remains an influential voice in American publishing, covering politics, style, and culture.

History

The magazine was launched in New York City by founders Arnold Gingrich, David A. Smart, and William H. Weintraub, initially as a quarterly for affluent men. It quickly gained notoriety for its risqué Vargas Girl illustrations by Alberto Vargas and its publication of serious fiction by writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The World War II era saw a famous Supreme Court case, *Esquire, Inc. v. Walker*, concerning its Second-class mail privileges. The 1960s and 70s, under editor Harold Hayes, marked its golden age, with seminal works of New Journalism by Tom Wolfe, Gay Talese, and Norman Mailer. The magazine faced financial struggles in the late 20th century, leading to ownership changes, including a period under Clay Felker and eventual acquisition by the Hearst Corporation.

Content and features

The magazine's content traditionally balanced high-quality writing with visual style. Its literary legacy includes publishing early works by Truman Capote, John Cheever, and Raymond Carver. Regular features have included the satirical "Dubious Achievement Awards" and the influential "Esquire Style" fashion section. Investigative journalism, such as John Hersey's "Hiroshima," and political profiles of figures like John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon have been hallmarks. The annual "Best Dressed" list and features on Hollywood actors like George Clooney and Robert Redford maintain its cultural relevance, while its digital arm expands into video and podcasting.

Cultural impact and legacy

The publication significantly shaped American masculinity and mid-century culture, moving beyond mere fashion magazine tropes. Its 1966 cover asking "Oh my God—we hit a little girl" about the Vietnam War and the 1968 "The Passion of Muhammad Ali" cover are considered iconic moments in publishing history. It helped launch the careers of photographers like Diane Arbus and Gordon Parks. The magazine's association with the Rat Pack and its coverage of the Civil Rights Movement reflected and influenced the national conversation. Its legacy is evident in the success of subsequent titles like GQ and The New Yorker.

Editors and notable contributors

Key editors have defined its voice, from founding editor Arnold Gingrich to transformative figure Harold Hayes. Later editors include Phillip Moffitt, Terry McDonell, and David Granger. A vast array of literary and journalistic talent has contributed, including novelists Saul Bellow and William Faulkner, and journalists Pete Hamill and Michael Herr. Cartoonist Charles Addams and illustrator George Lois, creator of many famous covers, provided visual wit. Contemporary writers such as Stephen Marche and Cal Fussman continue its tradition, while fashion direction has been influenced by figures like Nick Sullivan.

Circulation and business model

Peaking at over a million copies monthly in the late 1960s, its circulation has fluctuated with industry trends. Like many print publications, it faced declines with the rise of the internet and digital media. Its business model has evolved from reliance on newsstand sales and advertising from brands like Ford Motor Company and Brooks Brothers to include robust digital subscriptions, e-commerce, and live events such as the "Esquire Summit." As part of Hearst Communications, it leverages cross-platform opportunities within a large media conglomerate, adapting to the modern landscape of branded content and social media marketing.

Category:American monthly magazines Category:Men's magazines Category:Magazines established in 1933 Category:Hearst Communications magazines