New Yorker, The

U.S. weekly magazine, famous for its varied literary fare and humour. It was founded in 1925 by Harold Ross, who was its editor until 1951. Initially focused on New York City's amusements and social and cultural life, it gradually acquired a broader scope, encompassing literature, current affairs, and other topics. Aimed at a sophisticated, liberal audience, it became renowned for its short fiction, cartoons, major (occasionally book-length) nonfiction pieces, and detailed reviews in the arts. It was sold in 1985 to Samuel I. Newhouse, Jr. (see Newhouse family). Since Ross, its editors have been William Shawn (1952–87), Robert Gottlieb (1987–92), Tina Brown (1992–98), and David Remnick (from 1998).