John O'London's Weekly
Encyclopedia
John O'London's Weekly was a weekly literary magazine
that was published by George Newnes of London between 1919 and 1954. Regarded as the leading literary magazine in the British Empire, at its height it had a circulation of 80,000, and it was popular among young and older readers alike.
Founded in April 1919, John O'London's Weekly got its title from the pen name of one of its early editors, Wilfred Whitten
, and its content featured contributions from both the best known literary names of the day as well as newer less well known writers. Regular contributors included Winston Churchill
, Rebecca West
, Arnold Bennett
, Max Beerbohm
and W. Somerset Maugham
.
The magazine regularly featured a literate section on English grammar
and word usage, and would recommend carefully selected good books.
Although John O'London's Weekly was very popular during the inter-war years, the outbreak of the Second World War had a dramatic impact on its circulation. Sales were reduced due to newsprint regulations and as many of its readers joined the services. High costs and changing tastes meant that sales did not recover after the war, and in September 1954 the magazine's publishers announced that publication would cease.
Literary magazine
A literary magazine is a periodical devoted to literature in a broad sense. Literary magazines usually publish short stories, poetry and essays along with literary criticism, book reviews, biographical profiles of authors, interviews and letters...
that was published by George Newnes of London between 1919 and 1954. Regarded as the leading literary magazine in the British Empire, at its height it had a circulation of 80,000, and it was popular among young and older readers alike.
Founded in April 1919, John O'London's Weekly got its title from the pen name of one of its early editors, Wilfred Whitten
Wilfred Whitten
Wilfred Whitten was a British writer and editor. His pseudonym was John O'London, from where the influential John O'London's Weekly obtained its name....
, and its content featured contributions from both the best known literary names of the day as well as newer less well known writers. Regular contributors included Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
, Rebecca West
Rebecca West
Cicely Isabel Fairfield , known by her pen name Rebecca West, or Dame Rebecca West, DBE was an English author, journalist, literary critic and travel writer. A prolific, protean author who wrote in many genres, West was committed to feminist and liberal principles and was one of the foremost public...
, Arnold Bennett
Arnold Bennett
- Early life :Bennett was born in a modest house in Hanley in the Potteries district of Staffordshire. Hanley is one of a conurbation of six towns which joined together at the beginning of the twentieth century as Stoke-on-Trent. Enoch Bennett, his father, qualified as a solicitor in 1876, and the...
, Max Beerbohm
Max Beerbohm
Sir Henry Maximilian "Max" Beerbohm was an English essayist, parodist and caricaturist best known today for his 1911 novel Zuleika Dobson.-Early life:...
and W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham
William Somerset Maugham , CH was an English playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and, reputedly, the highest paid author during the 1930s.-Childhood and education:...
.
The magazine regularly featured a literate section on English grammar
English grammar
English grammar is the body of rules that describe the structure of expressions in the English language. This includes the structure of words, phrases, clauses and sentences...
and word usage, and would recommend carefully selected good books.
Although John O'London's Weekly was very popular during the inter-war years, the outbreak of the Second World War had a dramatic impact on its circulation. Sales were reduced due to newsprint regulations and as many of its readers joined the services. High costs and changing tastes meant that sales did not recover after the war, and in September 1954 the magazine's publishers announced that publication would cease.
External links
- John O'London's Dies (published in Time Magazine on 20 September 1954)
- John O'London's Weekly and the New Reading Public (Dr Jonathan Wild, British Academy)