Story is an influential American literary magazine primarily dedicated to publishing short fiction. Known for its role in discovering and promoting numerous significant authors throughout the 20th century, it has undergone several distinct periods of publication.
History and Evolution:
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Original Era (1931-1967):
- Founders: Story was founded in Vienna, Austria, in 1931 by Martha Foley and Whit Burnett, American expatriates and journalists. Their aim was to provide a venue for short stories that might not find a home in commercial magazines.
- Early Years and Relocation: It quickly gained a reputation for its high literary standards. In 1933, Foley and Burnett moved the magazine to New York City, where it became a cornerstone of American literary life.
- Editorial Vision: Foley and Burnett championed both established and unknown writers, focusing solely on the quality of the narrative. They famously adopted a policy of printing only "stories," eschewing essays, poetry, or criticism.
- Notable Authors: During this period, Story published early works by many writers who would become giants of American literature, including J.D. Salinger (his first published story, "The Young Folks," in 1940), Truman Capote, William Saroyan, Richard Wright, John Cheever, Eudora Welty, Norman Mailer, Carson McCullers, Tennessee Williams, and Joseph Heller. Saroyan even financed the magazine for a brief period in the 1940s.
- Impact: The magazine became a crucial platform for the development of the American short story and a bellwether for emerging talent. It also ran the "Story College Contest" for student writers.
- Cessation: The original run ceased publication in 1967, largely due to financial difficulties and the changing landscape of literary publishing.
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Revival Era (1989-2000s):
- Relaunch: Story was revived in 1989 by the editor Lois Rosenthal in Cincinnati, Ohio. It aimed to recapture the spirit of the original magazine, continuing its tradition of publishing high-quality short fiction by new and established writers.
- Editorial Focus: Rosenthal maintained a similar editorial vision, focusing on literary excellence and providing a home for diverse voices.
- Notable Works: This iteration also published significant contemporary fiction.
- Cessation: This revival ultimately ceased publication in the early 2000s, again facing financial and distribution challenges inherent to independent literary magazines.
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Contemporary Era (2021-Present):
- New Relaunch: In 2021, Story was revived for a third time, now published by the University of Cincinnati and based within its Department of English.
- Current Mission: The magazine continues its mission to publish the best in contemporary short fiction, featuring both established and emerging writers. It operates as a print journal and aims to maintain its legacy as a vital institution for the short story.
Legacy:
Story magazine holds a unique place in American literary history as one of the most important venues for the short story form. Its consistent focus on discovering new talent and maintaining a high standard of literary quality has left an indelible mark on 20th and 21st-century literature. It remains a testament to the enduring power and importance of the short story as a literary art form.