William Shawn Quotes
- Editor
- USA
- 1907
William Shawn (1907-1992) was an American editor and writer, best known for his long tenure as the editor-in-chief of The New Yorker magazine. He was born in Chicago and attended Harvard University, where he became editor of the Harvard Lampoon. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for variou…Read More
William Shawn (1907-1992) was an American editor and writer, best known for his long tenure as the editor-in-chief of The New Yorker magazine. He was born in Chicago and attended Harvard University, where he became editor of the Harvard Lampoon. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for various publications before joining The New Yorker in 1933 as a staff writer.Shawn became the editor of The New Yorker in 1952, and under his leadership, the magazine became known for its literary and cultural sophistication. He was known for his meticulous editing and his ability to discover and nurture talented writers, including John Updike, J.D. Salinger, and E.B. White.Some of Shawn’s notable works include his editorials and essays for The New Yorker, as well as his book “The New Yorker Album” (1925), which he co-authored with his wife, Lillian Ross. He also published a collection of his own essays, “My Years with Ross and The New Yorker” (1984).Shawn’s tenure at The New Yorker lasted for over three decades, and he is credited with shaping the magazine into one of the most influential and respected publications in the world. He was known for his quiet and unassuming demeanor, but his impact on the literary world was immense.Read Less
William Shawn (1907-1992) was an American editor and writer, best known for his long tenure as the editor-in-chief of The New Yorker magazine. He was born in Chicago and attended Harvard University, where he became editor of the Harvard Lampoon. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for various publications before joining The New Yorker in 1933 as a staff writer.Shawn became the editor of The New Yorker in 1952, and under his leadership, the magazine became known for its literary and cultural sophistication. He was known for his meticulous editing and his ability to discover and nurture talented writers, including John Updike, J.D. Salinger, and E.B. White.Some of Shawn’s notable works include his editorials and essays for The New Yorker, as well as his book “The New Yorker Album” (1925), which he co-authored with his wife, Lillian Ross. He also published a collection of his own essays, “My Years with Ross and The New Yorker” (1984).Shawn’s tenure at The New Yorker lasted for over three decades, and he is credited with shaping the magazine into one of the most influential and respected publications in the world. He was known for his quiet and unassuming demeanor, but his impact on the literary world was immense.
William Shawn Career Highlights
- Shawn began his career in journalism as a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune in 1927.
- In 1933, he joined The New Yorker as a staff writer and quickly rose through the ranks to become the managing editor in 1935.
- In 1952, Shawn was appointed as the editor-in-chief of The New Yorker, a position he held for 35 years until his retirement in 1987.
- Under his leadership, The New Yorker became one of the most prestigious and influential magazines in the world, known for its in-depth reporting, literary criticism, and fiction.
- Shawn was known for his meticulous editing style and his ability to spot and nurture talented writers, including John Updike, J.D. Salinger, and Philip Roth.
- He also introduced the “Talk of the Town” section, which featured short, witty pieces on current events and cultural trends.
- Shawn was a strong advocate for freedom of speech and often published controversial and politically charged articles in The New Yorker, including pieces on the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
- In 1987, Shawn was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan for his contributions to journalism and literature.
Key Contributions by William Shawn
- Shawn’s most significant contribution was his transformation of The New Yorker into a literary and cultural powerhouse. He elevated the magazine’s standards and established a reputation for publishing high-quality, thought-provoking content.
- He was also known for his keen eye for detail and his ability to shape a writer’s work without altering their voice or style.
- Shawn’s emphasis on fact-checking and accuracy set The New Yorker apart from other publications and earned it a reputation for being a trustworthy source of information.
- He was a champion of long-form journalism and encouraged writers to delve deep into their subjects, resulting in groundbreaking and award-winning articles.
What Sets William Shawn Apart
- Shawn’s unwavering commitment to quality and his dedication to the craft of editing set him apart from other editors of his time.
- He was known for his quiet and unassuming demeanor, but his influence and impact on the world of journalism were immense.
- Shawn’s ability to attract and retain top talent at The New Yorker was a testament to his leadership skills and his ability to foster a creative and collaborative work environment.
- He was also known for his strong moral compass and his willingness to take risks and publish controversial pieces, even if they went against popular opinion.
Takeaways
- William Shawn’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his significant impact on the world of journalism and literature.
- His dedication to excellence, commitment to accuracy, and support for free speech serve as valuable lessons for aspiring journalists and editors.
- Shawn’s legacy continues to live on through The New Yorker, which remains one of the most respected and influential magazines in the world.