The New York Review of Books: A Legacy of Intellectual Rigor
Founded in 1963, The New York Review of Books emerged not merely as a publication, but as a challenge to the state of American literary criticism. At a time when book reviews were often dismissed as passionless or "lobotomized," a group of intellectuals sought to create a venue for probing, lengthy, and intellectually courageous essays. By treating the review of a book as an independent literary act, the publication transformed the genre into a vehicle for deep political and social analysis.
The Founding and Early Vision
The Review was the brainchild of Robert B. Silvers and Barbara Epstein, alongside publisher A. Whitney Ellsworth and writer Elizabeth Hardwick. The catalyst was Hardwick's 1959 essay, "The Decline of Book Reviewing," which criticized the blandness of contemporary reviews. Supported by Jason Epstein and poet Robert Lowell, the group saw a strategic opportunity during the 1962–1963 New York City newspaper strike. With major outlets like The New York Times suspended, book publishers lacked a means to promote new titles, creating a vacuum the founders were eager to fill.
The first issue, published on February 1, 1963, was an immediate sensation. It sold 100,000 copies and garnered nearly 1,000 letters from readers urging its continuation. The debut issue was seen as a demonstration of mid-century American intellectual firepower, reflecting a confidence in the liberal consensus—the belief that intelligence and goodwill could solve societal problems.
Editorial Philosophy and Evolution
Under the long-term leadership of Silvers and Epstein, the Review adopted a philosophy of total intellectual curiosity. They avoided "competent rehearsals of familiar subjects," instead seeking original works that established something fresh. This approach meant that while the publication focused on books, it was never limited by them; if no book existed on a vital subject, the editors would address the topic regardless.
The Review became particularly noted for its political courage. It provided a platform for European political dissidents, such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Václav Havel, and took a consistent stand against the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. Over the decades, it evolved from left-wing radicalism toward a sturdy, erudite liberalism, blending politics and literature in a style modeled after 19th-century British journals.
Expanding the Reach
The publication's influence extended globally and digitally over time:
- London Review of Books: Founded in 1979 during a London Times lockout, it began as an insert before becoming independent in 1980.
- International Editions: An Italian edition, la Rivista dei Libri, was published from 1990 to 2010.
- Digital Transition: In 2010, the Review launched a blog and podcasts, and in 2009, it introduced the NYR Daily to focus on current news.
The Art of the Review: Contributors and Aesthetics
For many writers, a byline in the Review became a "gold standard" of professional gravitas. The publication is renowned for its commitment to the writer's voice; Robert Silvers famously insisted that no changes be made to a contributor's prose without their explicit permission.
Visually, the Review was defined for decades by the caricatures of David Levine. From 1963 to 2007, Levine contributed over 3,800 pen-and-ink drawings. His work was characterized by an "astringently probing" style that used exaggerated physical details to humanize and occasionally deflate the egos of the world's most powerful intellectuals and politicians.
| Key Milestone | Year/Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1963 | Founded by Silvers, Epstein, Ellsworth, and Hardwick. |
| London Expansion | 1979 | Launch of the London Review of Books. |
| Ownership Change | 1984 | Sold to publisher Rea S. Hederman. |
| Digital Shift | 2009-2010 | Launch of NYR Daily and official blog. |
| Leadership Transition | 2017-2021 | Transition from Robert Silvers to Emily Greenhouse. |
Key Facts
- Founding Date: February 1, 1963.
- Core Mission: To publish thoughtful, probing, and lively reviews of the "unusual, the difficult, and the interesting."
- Editorial Tenure: Robert Silvers and Barbara Epstein co-edited the publication for over 40 years.
- Visual Identity: Defined by over 3,800 caricatures by artist David Levine.
- Current Leadership: Emily Greenhouse serves as the editor (as of February 2021).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The New York Review of Books different from a standard book review?
Unlike standard reviews that act as simple reports or judgments, the Review treats the book review as an essay in itself. It uses books as jumping-off points to explore broader intellectual, political, and social themes.
Who were the primary founders of the publication?
The publication was founded by Robert B. Silvers, Barbara Epstein, A. Whitney Ellsworth, and Elizabeth Hardwick, with encouragement from Jason Epstein and Robert Lowell.
How did the publication handle political issues?
The Review has a history of vocal political engagement, notably opposing the Vietnam and Iraq Wars and publishing interviews with European dissidents like Andrei Sakharov and Václav Havel.
What is the significance of the "personals" section?
The personals section is known for its cultivated, highbrow writing style, which has even been spoofed in popular culture, such as in Woody Allen's film Annie Hall.
Who is the current editor of the Review?
Emily Greenhouse was named editor in February 2021, following a period of co-editorship with Gabriel Winslow-Yost.