Lewis H. Lapham, American publisher, founded Lapham's Quarterly

Lewis Henry Lapham, born on January 8, 1935, is a distinguished and influential American writer renowned for his incisive commentary on politics, culture, and societal trends.

A Longstanding Legacy at Harper's Magazine

Lapham's most significant institutional role was as the editor of the venerable American monthly, Harper's Magazine. His leadership spanned two distinct periods: initially from 1976 to 1981, and then for a much longer and highly impactful tenure from 1983 until 2006. Across these decades, Lapham was widely credited with revitalizing Harper's, a publication celebrated as one of the oldest general-interest magazines in the United States, established in 1850. Under his stewardship, the magazine maintained its reputation for intellectual rigor, critical thought, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, publishing a wide array of essays, fiction, and investigative journalism that often provided a vital counter-narrative to mainstream media. His editorial approach fostered a platform for deep intellectual engagement, solidifying Harper's as a leading voice in American letters and public discourse for over three decades.

Founder of Lapham's Quarterly

Following his extensive career at Harper's, Lewis Lapham embarked on a new literary endeavor by founding Lapham's Quarterly. Launched in 2008, this unique quarterly publication is dedicated to history and literature, offering readers a curated thematic exploration of enduring human questions through the lens of historical texts.

What is Lapham's Quarterly known for?

Lapham's Quarterly is distinguished by its innovative approach, which involves juxtaposing excerpts from historical documents, philosophical treatises, speeches, and literary works from various eras and cultures. Each issue centers on a specific theme (e.g., "Money," "Nature," "War," "Fear"), demonstrating how past human experiences and thoughts resonate with contemporary issues and challenges. This format aims to enrich understanding by placing current affairs within a broader historical context, encouraging readers to engage with the enduring patterns of human civilization and appreciate the wisdom of antiquity as it applies to modern life.

Prolific Author and Social Critic

Beyond his editorial roles, Lewis Lapham is a prolific author who has penned numerous books exploring a wide spectrum of topics, primarily focusing on politics, current affairs, and American culture. His writings are often characterized by their sharp wit, erudition, and a critical perspective on the decline of public discourse, the erosion of democratic values, and the follies of the powerful. Through his essays and books, Lapham consistently offers a deeply informed, often skeptical, and always thought-provoking analysis of the American experiment and its contemporary challenges.

His work frequently delves into themes such as:

• The role of media and rhetoric in shaping public opinion.
• The complexities of American foreign policy and its historical antecedents.
• The interplay between wealth, power, and societal structures, often critiquing economic inequality.
• The historical parallels between past civilizations and current political dilemmas.
• The importance of historical understanding for navigating modern life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis Henry Lapham

When was Lewis Henry Lapham born?

Lewis Henry Lapham was born on January 8, 1935.

What magazines did Lewis Lapham edit?

He was the editor of the American monthly Harper's Magazine for two significant periods: from 1976 to 1981, and again from 1983 to 2006. He also founded and currently serves as editor for Lapham's Quarterly.

What is Lapham's Quarterly?

Lapham's Quarterly is a unique quarterly publication founded by Lewis Lapham in 2008. It focuses on history and literature, using thematic issues to juxtapose historical texts with contemporary issues, thereby enriching understanding of current affairs through a historical lens.

What are Lewis Lapham's books about?

His numerous books primarily cover politics, current affairs, and American culture. They are known for their incisive social commentary, historical analysis, and often critical perspective on societal trends, public discourse, and the exercise of power.