Widening the range of our digital resources – expanding magazine archive collections

09 Dec 2024

The University of Manchester Library has recently secured online access to a significant archival collection of American-based general magazines.

 These seven new collections comprise: 

• The Atlantic (1857 – 2014) 

• Ebony (1945 – 2014) 

• Esquire (1933 – 2014) 

• Life (1936 – 2000)  

• Sports Illustrated (1954 – 2000) 

• The Nation (1865 – 2020) 

• Vanity Fair (1919-1936; 1983-2000) 

These magazines hold significant historical value, having shaped culture, lifestyle, and current events over the years. Renowned for their high-quality photography, impeccable production, and trend-setting design and editorial styles, many became influential in their respective fields. They also served as platforms for prominent writers, photographers, and artists, contributing to the formation of public opinion and capturing the societal shifts of their time. 

While each magazine is indexed on Library Search, their consolidation on a single platform provides an even greater benefit, allowing users to trace the coverage of specific issues over time. Researchers can now easily compare and contrast how different publications from the American popular press addressed the same social and political topics, offering a more nuanced view of historical narratives and public discourse. 

These collections are highlighted on relevant Subject Guides for American Studies; Fashion Business and Technology; History; Sociology; and English Literature and Creative Writing.