The Paris Review

The Paris Review. Founded in 1953 by a group of American expatriates including George Plimpton and Peter Matthiessen, it has become one of the world's preeminent literary quarterlies. Renowned for its seminal "Writers at Work" interview series and its commitment to publishing fiction and poetry, it has introduced major literary voices while maintaining a distinct editorial independence. Though conceived in the Latin Quarter of Paris, its editorial offices have long been based in New York City.

History

The magazine was established in the post-war artistic ferment of Paris, with its first office located near the Seine. Its founding editors, including Harold L. Humes and William Pène du Bois, aimed to shift focus from literary criticism to the craft of writing itself, a principle famously articulated in its inaugural manifesto. Early issues featured work by then-emerging writers like Philip Roth and Samuel Beckett, and the magazine quickly gained a reputation for quality. It weathered financial challenges and relocated its base of operations to the United States in the early 1970s, where it continued under the long stewardship of Plimpton until his death in 2003. Subsequent editors have included Philip Gourevitch and Lorin Stein, who have guided its evolution in the digital age while preserving its core mission.

Notable interviews

The "Writers at Work" interview series is a cornerstone, offering unprecedented, craft-focused conversations with the century's defining literary figures. Early landmark interviews featured Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, and Dorothy Parker, setting a high standard for depth and candor. The series has since expanded to include wide-ranging dialogues with international icons such as Gabriel García Márquez, Toni Morrison, and Milan Kundera. More recent subjects have included Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and Ocean Vuong, ensuring the series remains a vital record of literary thought. These conversations are often cited by scholars and have been anthologized in multiple volumes by Penguin Books.

Literary prizes

It administers several prestigious awards aimed at discovering and supporting emerging writers. The Plimpton Prize for Fiction, named for its longtime editor, is awarded for the best debut fiction published in its pages, with past winners including Mona Simpson and David Szalay. The Terry Southern Prize honors a contributor embodying the spirit of the magazine's founding editor. Additionally, it awards annual prizes for poetry and nonfiction, judged by distinguished writers like Louise Glück and Zadie Smith. These prizes are often announced at its annual Spring Revel gala, a significant event in the New York literary calendar that has featured honorees from Joan Didion to Norman Mailer.

Cultural impact

Beyond its literary influence, it has permeated wider culture through its distinctive ethos and partnerships. Its iconic covers and art portfolios have featured work by major artists like Andy Warhol and Francesco Clemente. The magazine's commitment to the long-form interview inspired the creation of the popular podcast "The Paris Review Interview," amplifying its archival content. Its digital presence, including the online Daily, has extended its reach, publishing new writing and archival gems to a global audience. The publication is frequently referenced in other media, from episodes of The Simpsons to novels by Don DeLillo, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.

Editors and contributors

Its history is marked by the tenure of influential editors, most notably George Plimpton, who led for nearly fifty years and became a public personality through his participatory journalism for Sports Illustrated. The masthead has included notable literary figures such as Robert Silvers, a co-founder of The New York Review of Books, and Blair Fuller. A vast array of celebrated writers have contributed fiction and poetry, including Jack Kerouac, V.S. Naipaul, Alice Munro, and Jonathan Franzen. Contemporary issues continue to feature work by leading voices like Rachel Cusk, Ben Lerner, and Nicolás Giacobone, maintaining its role at the forefront of international letters.

Category:Literary magazines published in the United States Category:Quarterly magazines published in the United States Category:Publications established in 1953