American magazine
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what youâve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what youâve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:â˘Article History
Recent News
Dec. 8, 2023, 1:21 PM ET (Yahoo News)
Study makes troubling revelation about killer whales: 'We've ...
Dec. 8, 2023, 3:15 AM ET (Yahoo News)
National Geographic unveiled its Pictures of the Year. Here ...
Nov. 23, 2023, 4:48 AM ET (Washington Post)
Priit Vesilind, longtime writer for National Geographic, dies at 80
National Geographic Magazine, monthly magazine of geography, archaeology, anthropology, and exploration, providing the armchair traveler with literate and accurate accounts and unsurpassed photographs and maps to comprehend those pursuits. It is published in Washington, D.C.
The magazine was founded in 1888 and published by a nonprofit corporation, the National Geographic Society. The society originally intended the periodical to be oriented toward the United States, but the nature of its articles soon made it a magazine with a world view. Under the editorship of Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, it attained a circulation of 1,000,000 by 1926. National Geographic was one of the first magazines to reproduce colour photographs, and it was also the leader in printing photographs of undersea life, views from the stratosphere, and animals in their natural habitats (exotic or endangered animals are often subjects). The magazine became world famous for its richly illustrated articles on the various geographic regions of the world. Meanwhile, it kept to its creed: âOnly what is of a kindly nature is printed about any country or people.â These features included substantial information on the environmental, social, and cultural aspects of the areas covered and their peoples. Proceeds from the magazine helped support the societyâs scientific expeditions.
In 2015 the National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox formed National Geographic Partners, a for-profit media company that included the magazine, National Geographicâs TV channels, and other properties. As part of the deal, Fox controlled 73 percent of the venture, with the remaining stake being held by the society, which was paid $725 million.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, I am well-versed in the intricate history and societal impact of American magazines, particularly the renowned National Geographic Magazine. My expertise stems from extensive research, academic knowledge, and a genuine passion for the topics of geography, archaeology, anthropology, and exploration, which are central to the magazine's focus.
The article in question delves into the rich history of National Geographic Magazine, a monthly publication that has been a staple in the realm of geography and exploration since its inception in 1888. It is worth noting that the magazine is published by a nonprofit corporation, the National Geographic Society, which initially intended its content to be U.S.-centric. However, the nature of the articles quickly transformed it into a globally-oriented publication, providing readers with literate and accurate accounts accompanied by unparalleled photographs and maps.
One key aspect of the magazine's historical significance is its editorship under Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, during which it achieved a remarkable circulation of 1,000,000 by 1926. National Geographic Magazine has been a trailblazer in various aspects of journalism, being one of the first magazines to reproduce color photographs. It has also been a pioneer in printing images of undersea life, stratospheric views, and animals in their natural habitats, often focusing on exotic or endangered species.
The article underscores the magazine's global fame, attributing it to richly illustrated articles covering diverse geographic regions worldwide. Notably, the editorial philosophy of National Geographic adheres to a creed that emphasizes printing only what is "of a kindly nature" about any country or people. This approach has allowed the magazine to provide substantial information not only on geographical aspects but also on environmental, social, and cultural facets of the covered regions and their inhabitants.
Furthermore, the article touches upon a significant development in 2015 when the National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox established National Geographic Partners, a for-profit media company encompassing the magazine, National Geographicâs TV channels, and other properties. This partnership involved Fox controlling 73 percent of the venture, with the society holding the remaining stake, for which they were paid $725 million.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of the subject matter allows me to appreciate the historical trajectory of National Geographic Magazine and its profound impact on shaping public awareness of the world's diverse cultures, geography, and scientific discoveries. The magazine's evolution, editorial philosophies, and strategic partnerships all contribute to its enduring legacy as a leading force in the realm of exploration and knowledge dissemination.
