Harold Ross

Harold Ross
Name	Harold Ross
Caption	Harold Ross in 1940
Birth date	6 November 1892
Birth place	Aspen, Colorado
Death date	6 December 1951
Death place	Boston, Massachusetts
Occupation	Editor, journalist
Known for	Founding editor of The New Yorker
Spouse	Jane Grant (m. 1920; div. 1929), Ariane Allen (m. 1935)

Harold Ross was an influential American journalist and editor, best known as the founding editor of The New Yorker magazine. He led the publication from its inception in 1925 until his death in 1951, shaping its distinctive voice and establishing it as a preeminent venue for literature, humor, and cultural criticism. His exacting editorial standards and unique vision for a sophisticated, metropolitan weekly created a lasting institution in American publishing.

Early life and education

He was born in Aspen, Colorado, and his family later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He dropped out of high school and began his career in journalism as a reporter for several newspapers, including the Salt Lake City Tribune. His early work involved covering a wide range of topics, from local events to mining news in the American West. This practical, ground-level experience in reporting provided the foundation for his later editorial career, devoid of formal university training but rich in real-world practice.

Journalism career

His journalism career expanded significantly when he served as editor of the Stars and Stripes for the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. This experience in Paris exposed him to a circle of talented writers and artists, including Alexander Woollcott and Franklin P. Adams. After the war, he worked on various publications in New York City, such as the American Legion Weekly and the humor magazine Judge. These roles honed his skills and connected him with the literary and social scene of Greenwich Village, crucial for his next venture.

Founding and editing The New Yorker

In February 1925, with financial backing from Raoul H. Fleischmann, he launched The New Yorker. The magazine's early struggles were formidable, but his relentless focus on quality and a clear vision for a magazine reflecting the wit and pace of New York City eventually led to success. He assembled a legendary staff, including E. B. White, James Thurber, Katharine S. White, and Wolcott Gibbs. He was deeply involved in every aspect of the magazine, from editing prose and cartoon captions to managing the famed cartoon department under James Geraghty.

Editorial philosophy and style

His editorial philosophy demanded clarity, accuracy, and a distinctive urban tone. He famously queried contributors with the question, "Is it funny?" or "Who he?" seeking to eliminate obscurity and pretension. He instituted a rigorous fact-checking department, a novelty at the time, to ensure veracity in reporting. The magazine's style, characterized by its sophisticated irony, understatement, and literary excellence, was a direct reflection of his tastes and his battles with writers over commas and word choice. This created the template for modern magazine journalism.

Personal life and death

He was married twice, first to New York Times reporter Jane Grant in 1920, a partnership that was both personal and professional in the early days of The New Yorker. After their divorce, he married Ariane Allen, a former actress, in 1935. He was known for his gruff, sometimes tactless exterior, but maintained deep loyalty to his circle of friends and colleagues. He died in Boston, Massachusetts following complications from lung cancer, shortly after an operation for the disease.

Legacy and influence

His legacy is the enduring institution of The New Yorker, which continues to define magazine excellence. He cultivated and published some of the 20th century's most important writers, including J. D. Salinger, John Hersey, and John O'Hara. The magazine's commitment to long-form journalism, fiction, poetry, and criticism set a standard that influenced countless publications, from The Atlantic to The New York Times Magazine. His editorial principles remain a benchmark in the publishing world.

Category:American magazine editors Category:1892 births Category:1951 deaths