*The American Scholar* is a distinguished quarterly literary magazine published by the Phi Beta Kappa society. Established in 1932, the magazine carries a name steeped in intellectual history, directly referencing Ralph Waldo Emerson's influential 1837 speech, "The American Scholar." This connection is more than nominal; the magazine explicitly states that it aspires to Emerson’s ideals of independent thinking, self-knowledge, and a commitment to understanding
the world, encompassing books, history, and science. For decades, it has served as a platform for thoughtful discourse and literary expression, upholding a tradition of intellectual inquiry.
Founding Principles and Emersonian Ideals
Founded nearly a century after Emerson delivered his famous oration, *The American Scholar* magazine was conceived to embody the very principles he espoused. Emerson's speech was a call for an independent American cultural identity, urging scholars to move beyond European influences and cultivate their own unique intellectual voice. The magazine, in turn, seeks to foster this spirit of originality and critical engagement. Its mission, as articulated on its website, directly links its purpose to Emerson's vision, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and a broad commitment to both academic pursuits and real-world affairs.
This dedication to Emersonian ideals means the magazine is not merely a repository of academic articles but a forum for diverse perspectives that encourage readers to think deeply and independently. It aims to stimulate intellectual curiosity and provide insights into a wide range of subjects, reflecting the comprehensive scope of knowledge that Emerson believed a true scholar should embrace.
A Rich History of Content and Recognition
For 75 years, essays, articles, criticism, and poetry have been the mainstays of *The American Scholar* magazine. This consistent focus on high-quality literary and intellectual content has allowed it to maintain its reputation as a significant voice in American letters. In 2006, the magazine expanded its offerings by beginning to publish fiction, further diversifying its literary scope and appealing to a broader audience while still adhering to its core intellectual mission.
Over the years, *The American Scholar* has garnered considerable acclaim for its editorial excellence. It has won fourteen National Magazine Awards from the American Society of Magazine Editors since 1999, including awards for General Excellence in the circulation category of under 100,000. Additionally, the magazine has received four Utne Independent Press Awards from *Utne Reader*, with its most recent win in 2011 for "Best Writing." These numerous accolades underscore the magazine's consistent quality and its impact within the literary and publishing world.
Leadership and Enduring Influence
Since its inception in 1932, *The American Scholar* has been guided by a succession of editors-in-chief, with eight individuals holding the position, including two on an interim basis. Each editor has contributed to shaping the magazine's direction and maintaining its commitment to intellectual rigor and literary merit. The current editor is Sudip Bose, and the publisher is Frederick M. Lawrence, operating under the umbrella of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
Based in Washington, D.C., *The American Scholar* continues to be a quarterly publication, offering a consistent stream of thoughtful content to its readership. Its enduring presence and continued recognition through prestigious awards demonstrate its success in upholding the ideals of independent thinking and a broad engagement with knowledge, as inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson's foundational speech. The magazine stands as a testament to the lasting power of intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of a distinctly American scholarly identity.
