This is an extremely rare and collectible edition of The Harmsworth London Magazine, which was a popular periodical published in the early 20th century, evolving from its predecessor, The Harmsworth Magazine. This specific issue is volume number 41 from December 1901.
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See the photos for a random, small selection of articles and advertisements from the magazine.
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History and Evolution
The Harmsworth Magazine was launched in July 1898 by the Harmsworth Brothers Ltd., a publishing company founded by Alfred Harmsworth (later Lord Northcliffe) and his brother Harold. In August 1901, it was renamed The Harmsworth London Magazine, and finally became The London Magazine in August 1903.
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Editorial Leadership
The magazine was initially edited by Cecil Harmsworth, Alfred's brother. In September 1902, Charles P. Sisley took over as editor and remained in that position until December 1905.
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Content and Circulation
The Harmsworth London Magazine featured a mix of content, including:
Popular fiction: adventure, historical and love romances, ghost stories, and tales set in exotic locations.
Articles on various topics of human interest.
Works by both unknown writers and established authors.
During Sisley's editorship, the magazine's circulation averaged between 350,000 and 360,000 copies.
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Issue Number 41 (December 1901)
Regarding this specific issue, here are some general characteristics based on the magazine's content during that period:
It was published under the title "The Harmsworth London Magazine," as the name change occurred in August 1901.
The issue contained a mix of fiction and non-fiction articles, including seasonal content appropriate for December.
It featured works by both popular authors of the time and lesser-known writers, as was typical for the magazine.
The price was 3 1/2d. (Three and a half pence), as the increase to 4½d. didn't occur until December 1903.
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The Harmsworth London Magazine differed from other magazines of its time in several key ways:
Affordable Pricing: Alfred Harmsworth employed innovative pricing strategies, selling the magazine for 3½d instead of the standard sixpence, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
Mass Appeal Content: It balanced popular fiction (e.g., adventure, Gothic stories, romances) with general articles on human interest and societal topics. This mix catered to diverse tastes, unlike more specialized magazines such as The Strand Magazine.
Efficient Production and Distribution: Harmsworth utilized advanced rotary press printing and his existing worldwide distribution network to keep costs low and reach a wide audience.
Focus on Emerging Writers: The magazine encouraged contributions from lesser-known authors, offering them a platform alongside established names like H.G. Wells, Conan Doyle, and P.G. Wodehouse.
Marketing Innovation: Harmsworth's aggressive advertising campaigns and controversies (e.g., the "Bookstall War") helped boost visibility and sales, setting it apart from competitors.
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These strategies made The Harmsworth London Magazine a pioneer in shaping popular literary tastes during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
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Condition: Completely intact with no loose pages. It even has the original staples in it, binding the pages together. Remarkably, it has not been defaced or damaged. There is, of course, wear and tear commensurate with its 123 years of age!
