Partisan Review
History and Background
Partisan Review was an influential literary and cultural magazine that played a significant role in the intellectual landscape of the 20th century. Founded in 1934 by William Phillips and Philip Rahv, the magazine emerged during a tumultuous period marked by economic depression and political upheaval. Initially aligned with the Communist Party USA, Partisan Review quickly distanced itself from strict party lines, evolving into a platform for independent leftist thought and cultural criticism.
The magazine's early years were characterized by its commitment to Marxist ideas, but it soon became a forum for a broader range of intellectual discourse. This shift was partly due to the Great Purge in the Soviet Union, which disillusioned many intellectuals with Stalinist policies. By the late 1930s, Partisan Review had established itself as a leading voice in the New York Intellectuals movement, a group known for its critical stance on both communism and capitalism.
Editorial Philosophy
Partisan Review was renowned for its rigorous editorial standards and its commitment to publishing high-quality content. The magazine's editors sought to foster a space where literature, politics, and art could intersect, encouraging writers to engage with contemporary issues in a nuanced and thoughtful manner. This approach attracted a diverse array of contributors, including prominent figures such as George Orwell, Hannah Arendt, and Susan Sontag.
The magazine's editorial philosophy was deeply influenced by the principles of modernism, emphasizing the importance of aesthetic innovation and intellectual rigor. Partisan Review championed the idea that literature and art should not only reflect society but also challenge and critique it. This belief was reflected in the magazine's eclectic mix of content, which included essays, fiction, poetry, and reviews.
Influence and Legacy
Partisan Review's impact on American intellectual life was profound. The magazine played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around key cultural and political issues of the 20th century, from the rise of totalitarianism to the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement. Its pages provided a platform for some of the most important debates of the era, influencing generations of writers, thinkers, and activists.
One of the magazine's most significant contributions was its role in the development of New Criticism, a literary theory that emphasized close reading and the analysis of a text's formal elements. Partisan Review also helped to popularize existentialism and other European philosophical movements in the United States, fostering a transatlantic exchange of ideas that enriched American intellectual culture.
Notable Contributors
Partisan Review's roster of contributors reads like a who's who of 20th-century intellectuals. In addition to Orwell, Arendt, and Sontag, the magazine published works by T.S. Eliot, Mary McCarthy, Dwight Macdonald, and Norman Mailer, among others. These writers brought a wide range of perspectives and styles to the magazine, reflecting its commitment to diversity of thought.
The magazine was also instrumental in launching the careers of several notable writers. Saul Bellow, for example, published some of his early work in Partisan Review, as did Bernard Malamud and Philip Roth. The magazine's reputation for excellence and its willingness to take risks on emerging voices made it a vital incubator for literary talent.
Decline and Closure
Despite its significant influence, Partisan Review faced numerous challenges in its later years. The magazine struggled financially, and its readership declined as the intellectual landscape shifted in the latter half of the 20th century. The rise of new media and changing cultural tastes also contributed to its decline.
In 2003, after nearly seven decades of publication, Partisan Review ceased operations. Its closure marked the end of an era, but its legacy continues to resonate in the world of literature and cultural criticism. The magazine's archives remain a valuable resource for scholars and historians, offering insights into the intellectual currents that shaped the 20th century.