Magazines
By Steve Black -- Library Journal, 04/01/2009
Anthropology Now. 2009. 3/yr. $375. Ed: Katherine McCaffrey. ISSN 1942-8200. illus. adv. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Anthropology. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Apr. 2009)
"Other disciplines have a magazine for the general public. Why can’t we?" ask the editors in the inaugural issue of Anthropology Now. The concept is sound: the methods and findings of anthropologists can be relevant and appealing to the general public. Articles in the inaugural issue include "Becoming Monsters in Iraq," a piece on why women have breasts, and a profile of Margaret Mead. Curiously, though, the magazine has the look and feel of a scholarly journal, despite the inclusion of some poetry, creative nonfiction, and a sprinkling of black-and-white graphics. Unfortunately, the price is also that of a scholarly journal, quite high for the amount of content. Despite these drawbacks, the publication should interest the general public and students of anthropology; a good choice for libraries able to afford it. [Print & electronic subs: $394; online-only: $341. Sample issue (PDF).]
The Autism File USA. 2008. q. $32.99/6 issues. Ed: Polly Tommey. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Autism Spectrum Disorders. Issue examined: Issue 29, 2008)
The editors of The Autism File believe that autism spectrum disorders are preventable and treatable biomedical conditions caused at least in part by environmental toxins, including chemicals in childhood vaccinations. This is a controversial viewpoint, one discounted by many in the mainstream medical research community. Balanced with content representing other perspectives, the magazine has a laudable commitment to hope for effective treatment of autism and presents contributions from authors well known and respected among special-education professionals. The examined issue includes engaging stories on safety for autistic children and the shocking lack of basic human rights for individuals with autism in many countries. Articles written by doctors feature dietary suggestions and various behavioral interventions. The Autism File’s broad range of parent-friendly, authoritative articles makes it highly recommended for public libraries.
Bible Study Magazine. 2008. bi-m. $14.95. Ed: Michael S. Heiser. ISSN 1945-0923. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Bible—Study & Teaching. Issue examined: Nov./Dec. 2008)
This enthusiastically evangelical magazine published by Logos Bible Software is colorful and attractively designed and includes interviews with famous evangelicals, reports on recent biblical research, and scholars’ explanations of biblical concepts. A "What They Don’t Tell You in Church" column in the examined issue features a chart of apocrypha included in various versions of the Bible. Other articles in the inaugural issue address the pros and cons of various Bible translations and dictionaries. Bible Study Magazine is a serious, clearly written popular magazine that uses biblical scholarship to illuminate, not refute, the principal beliefs of evangelical Protestantism. Highly recommended for religious studies collections in academic and public libraries.
Cancer Fighters Thrive. 2008. q. $16. Ed: Edgar Staren, M.D. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Cancer—Patients. Issue examined: Vol. 1, Nov. 2, Fall 2008)
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) publishes this to support the organization’s stated approach, "Patient Empowerment Medicine." The articles are geared specifically to patients of practices affiliated with CTCA. The question for librarians is whether Cancer Fighters Thrive is balanced in coverage and of interest to a broad audience. On the whole, it is. Topics include medical treatments, personal success stories, and psychological aspects of fighting cancer. The center’s holistic approach to therapy will appeal to a wide readership, although readers should be aware that all content directly or indirectly supports the company’s activities. While this magazine’s native habitat will always be oncologists’ waiting rooms, this is a worthy title for public libraries’ fitness and wellness collections. [Sample issue (PDF).]
Clavier Companion. 2009. bi-m. $29.95. Ed: Pete Jutras. ISSN 1086-0819. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Piano—Instruction & Study. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan./Feb. 2009)
Formed by the merger of Keyboard Companion and Clavier, this glossy magazine attempts, in the editor’s words, “to increase the quality and longevity of music-making and music education at the keyboard.” Regular readers of both preceding titles suffered confusing suspensions of publication in late 2008, but the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy apologetically ensures readers that those unfulfilled subscriptions will be applied toward Clavier Companion. The 80-page examined issue features articles on Lang Lang and Leon Fleisher. Departments to appear in each issue include “Jazz & Pop,” “Music Reading,” “Rhythm,” “Inside the Profession,” “Tech Tips,” and “Keyboard Kids’ Companion.” Appropriate for keyboard teachers at every level, Clavier Companion is recommended for public and academic libraries.
Culture: The Word on Cheese. 2008. q. $40. Ed: Elaine Khosrova. ISSN 1945-1466. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Cheese. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Winter 2008)
Those interested in eating locally and naturally produced food will find much to enjoy in Culture. Artisanal cheeses are attracting national interest beyond their strongholds in Wisconsin, Vermont, and California, and this new magazine explains why and how via articles on successful cheesemakers and cheesemongers. It celebrates the virtues of the blues, the cheddars, and even the “stinkys” with descriptions, recipes, and suggestions for pairings with beer, wine, fruits, and other foods. Well edited and beautifully illustrated, Culture is a delectable choice for public libraries and highly recommended for libraries serving the culinary arts.
Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. 2008. s-a. $7.99/issue [newsstand/yarn store only]. Ed: Debbie Bliss. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Knitting—Patterns. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Fall/Winter 2008)
Vogue Knitting has created a colorful, glossy vehicle to promote the styles and wares of knitting entrepreneur Debbie Bliss. It is primarily a source of patterns for stylish sweaters, but the magazine also includes interviews, book reviews, and patterns for things like baby blankets and socks. The examined issue has instructions for 36 projects. Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine should appeal to many needle crafters and is a good choice for any library collection of craft patterns. Unfortunately, SoHo Publishing has chosen to sell it only in yarn stores and at newsstands. Unless subscriptions become available, librarians may find acquiring this magazine more trouble than it’s worth.
Dossier. 2008. s-a. $25. Eds: Skye Parrott & Katherine Krause. ISSN 1941-5109. illus. adv. Aud: Ac (Subject: Arts, Modern. Issue examined: No. 2, 2008)
For this compilation of new creative writing, interviews with artists, and art and fashion photography, the editors’ stated intent is to facilitate a dialog between fashion and culture. They do this with a provocative style that includes some nude photos and works containing words George Carlin famously listed as unacceptable for television; however, Dossier does not have shockingly graphic images or text that could be considered more objectionable than that found in some contemporary literary magazines and alternative publications. Of special note in the examined issue are interviews with cartoonist Emory Douglas (of Black Panther fame), photographer Stephen Shore, and journalist Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma). Dossier’s high production quality is on par with fine art journals. This beautifully produced vehicle for the work of contemporary artists is a worthwhile addition to arts collections in academic libraries.
Esperanza. 2008. q. $19.95. Ed: Nicole Peradotto. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Depression, Mental–Popular Works. Issue examined: Fall 2008)
Esperanza’s mission—“to empower people with hope, helpful tools, and ongoing support”—is achieved through summaries of news stories, profiles of people coping with depression, articles and short pieces on techniques for coping, and a few book reviews. The examined issue includes an interview with actress Mariel Hemingway, an article on depression among lawyers, and a story on the benefits of light therapy for seasonal affective disorder. Esperanza’s advisory board consists mainly of directors of advocacy groups. The authors are journalists, not doctors, and the editors are adamant that content should not be taken as medical advice. A full-page ad thanks Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical for platinum sponsorship, but articles in the examined issue focus more on behavioral approaches. While much of the information could be found scattered in newspapers and other health magazines, Esperanza is well organized around its theme, visually attractive, and clearly written.
Food. 2009. m. $17.99. Ed: Chelsea Hedquist. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Cookery. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Feb./Mar. 2009)
Young, independent publisher Candus Jane Zanghi and her staff enthusiastically enter a crowded market of cookery magazines. Food has the usual combo of recipes, a few cookbook reviews, and cooking tips, plus profiles of famous chefs. It features a curious blend of exotic luxury and budget fare, exemplified by the articles "Game Day Gourmet" and "Cheap Eats & Quick Fixins." The graphic design is a touch cluttered, and some breaks in the text are awkward, but, overall, the magazine is visually appealing and entertaining. It is difficult to see from the inaugural issue how Food will distinguish itself from its many competitors. Worthwhile for culinary arts collections; public librarians may want to wait before subscribing to see whether the magazine survives and develops its own distinct character.
Food Network Magazine. 2008. bi-m. $20. Ed: Maile Carpenter. ISSN 1944-723X. illus. adv. Aud: GA
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One might wonder if there is any need for yet another cookery magazine, but Food Network Magazine is distinguished by excellent recipes, engaging features, and particularly an innovative and attractive design. Recipes are creative but employ readily available ingredients. Distinctive features in the examined issue include Q&As with Food Network celebrities and tricks used in restaurant menus to boost spending. The most creative and appealing aspect of the graphic presentation is an intuitive and convenient recipe index of thumbnail images of each dish (see image at right). A separate “Star Search” index similarly employs small images of Food Network celebs. While clearly intended to promote the Food Network brand, this Hearst publication stands well on its own; an excellent choice for public libraries.
Getty Research Journal. 2009. a. $50. Ed: Thomas W. Gaehtgens. ISSN 1944-8740. illus. Aud: Ac (Subject: Art—History. Issue examined: No. 1, 2009)
This is a peer-reviewed annual research journal of scholarly studies based on the collections of the Getty Research Institute and other research funded by the Getty Trust. Production quality is especially fine, with very high-resolution text and color reproductions printed on heavy glossy paper. Images of artwork and manuscripts effectively illuminate points made in the articles. For instance, an article on visual poetry includes the appropriate number and size of images from the Getty collection to clarify descriptions in the text. Although the highly specialized studies may each reach relatively few scholars, collectively they form a valuable resource for art historians. The beautifully produced Getty Research Journal is recommended for academic libraries.
MacTribe. 2008. 8/yr. $29.95. Ed: Daniel Robillard. ISSN 1942-7298. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Macintosh (Computer). Issue examined: Winter 2009)
As the editor notes in the examined issue, MacTribe joins newsstands alongside well-established magazines Macworld and Mac/Life but intends to go beyond typical product reviews and feature digital photographic design in the Mac environment. Beautifully produced on heavy paper and in brilliant color, MacTribe is primarily a visual experience. Stock photography and its applications are particularly emphasized. The few articles in the examined issue include “Remembering the Dotcom Bust” and “The Meteoric Rise of Getty Images.” Treating the dot-com crash as history is indicative of the young editorial staff’s approach. The MacTribe web site predates the magazine by several years and appears to contain most of the information found in the print version. Given ongoing interest in Apple products and the high production quality of the printed magazine, MacTribe will appeal to public library patrons.
Modern Witch. 2008. q. $24. Ed: Sandy Lareau. ISSN 1941-3319. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Witchcraft. Issue examined: Beltane 2008)
The intended audience of witches, druids, practitioners of Asatru, priests and priestesses of Vudon, and pagans is certainly alternative, but the topics and writing styles in Modern Witch are less offbeat than one might imagine. The magazine's positive tone emphasizes respect and tolerance. It has colorful but simply designed pages, and the ads fit the intended readership. Articles in the thin, 18-page issue examined include an interview with M.R. Sellars (author of the "Rowan Gant Investigations" series), advice on raising pagan children, and a guide to pagan festivals. While some patrons may find offence in the very concept of paganism, nothing in the examined issue is remotely obscene, and the few criticisms of mainstream religion are indirect and mild. Modern Witch is worth acquiring for collections of alternative-press publications and for diverse collections of spiritual literature.
Purpose Driven Connection. 2009. q. $29.99. Ed: Rick Warren. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Christian Life. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan./Feb. 2009)
As one prong of the multimedia industry led by Rick Warren and his Saddleback megachurch, Purpose Driven Connection capably conveys Warren’s brand of evangelical Christianity. The magazine is intended to create a symmetry with the web site, online community, and Warren’s 40 Days of Love DVD, which is included in the magazine along with a study guide. Published by Reader’s Digest, the magazine is attractively produced and expertly targeted to its intended audience. The premier issue includes an interview with Barack Obama. Purpose Driven Connection is recommended for libraries to serve patrons interested in the influential and controversial Warren’s points of view, whether as believers or as skeptics.
In Nov. 2009, it was announced that Purpose Driven Connection will go online-only as of Jan. 2010. The last print issue will be the Christmas 2009 edition, which publishes in mid-November.—Ed.
Quiddity. 2008. s-a. $15. Eds: Joanna Beth Tweedy & Ted Morrissey. ISSN 1941-2606. illus. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Literature—21st Century. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Spring/Summer 2008)
A publication of Springfield College–Benedictine University in Illinois, Quiddity features new poetry and short fiction from writers around the world as well as a sprinkling of black-and-white illustrations. It has a companion public radio program that invites accepted authors to read their works on air. The next issue will celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial. Many literary journals launched in the 21st century are edgy and experimental, with an in-your-face attitude and provocative graphics; in contrast, Quiddity is conservative in its graphic design and respectable in its content, although its authors do not shy away from exploring sensitive topics. A fine choice for any collection of contemporary literature.
Strategy. 2008. bi-m. $19.95. Ed: Mavian Arocha. illus. adv. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Business. Issue examined: Vol. 3, No. 1, 2009)Atlanta-based Strategy’s succinct articles are grounded in findings from academia. The masthead includes acknowledgements of dozens of professors of business from around the country. The magazine’s clean graphic design is conducive to identifying items of interest quickly. “Out of Academia” sections summarize scholarly journal articles on management, accounting, finance, supply chain, technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Articles are brief, focusing on business strategies and interviews with successful businessmen and -women. Unlike many other business magazines, there is little focus on specific companies. Strategy successfully communicates relevant findings of academia in a highly readable and visually appealing fashion; highly recommended for public and academic libraries.
Tathaastu: So Be It. 2007. bi-m. $33. Ed: Georgy Bhaala. ISSN 1937-4917. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Yoga. Issue examined: Vol. 2, No. 3, Oct./Nov. 2008)
Tathaastu is a popular yoga magazine of curious contrasts. Strengths in the examined issue include Swami Tadatmananda’s “Spiritual Helpline” column and lifestyle articles on batik fabrics and interior decoration. However, many of the articles are written in an overly simplistic style, and topics like “The Tao of Marketing” seem out of place. Tathaastu mixes the discipline of yoga with a celebration of luxury: some of the advertisements and articles highlight yoga philosophy, yet between those are ads for airlines and expensive real estate as well as an article about a Marriot luxury spa in Mumbai, India. Bold colors sometimes contribute to and sometimes detract from the stories. While Tathaastu conveys basic tenets of yoga with a distinctively Indian style, libraries looking to add a popular yoga magazine may prefer Yoga Journal.
Ty Pennington at Home. 2008. q. $15. Ed: Karen Walden. ISSN 1936-5063. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Interior Decoration. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 3, Fall 2008)
This magazine exemplifies how personality and brand can merge into one and find a home in the checkout aisle. Ty Pennington, the popular host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, lends his name to and acts as editorial director for this Woman’s Day spin-off. The magazine has an attractive, easy-to-browse, and fluffy mix of product recommendations, design ideas, and tips on entertaining. Not surprisingly, the URL does not go directly to the magazine but only to a site busy with home décor promotions and publications. Pennington’s brand and brief stories about his TV show are all that distinguish this from the dozens of other shelter publications; however, that may be enough to make Ty Pennington at Home worthwhile for public libraries.
U.S. News & World Report. 1948. m. $24.95. Ed: Brian Kelly. ISSN 0041-5537. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Current Events. Issue examined: Vol. 146, No. 1, Feb. 2009)
According to Folio, U.S. News & World Report suffered a ten percent drop in circulation and a 32 percent decline in ad pages in 2008. The print magazine now publishes monthly, with an online weekly edition called U.S. News Weekly, which is accessed by individual password and then downloaded, making it difficult for libraries to make it available to patrons without violating copyright. As of March 2009, it is unclear whether the weekly content will be included in aggregated databases. The web site provides much information for free, so inaccessibility of the weekly download may not be a great loss. The editors state that the print magazine will now focus on monthly themes and that their site will feature a major ranking project, e.g., "Best Cars" and "Best Careers," about once a month. The monthly print edition remains a valuable choice among current events magazines. [The digital edition is $24.95 annually and free for print subscribers.—Ed.]
See Magazine Reviews for September–December
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Steve Black is a librarian at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, and teaches a course in serials at the University at Albany. He is also the author of Serials in Libraries: Issues and Practices (Libraries Unlimited), and he interviews editors on Periodical Radio. Steve would like to give special thanks to his colleague Dan Nester for his help evaluating literary magazines |
