The Economist Archive: Back Issue Newspapers
The Power of Old Newspapers
The pen’s mightier than the sword. Or, at least, that’s how the saying goes. This statement refers to the power of the written word to charm, influence, and entrance us. Much like people, papers are written with an agenda in mind. Sometimes it’s to draw people to the conservative way of thinking. It might be to both teach and engender a sense of good humor. A paper’s motivation is something best discovered through reading. So, if you’re interested in how old media affected the modern world, it might be time to crack upon the newspaper archives. For anyone interested in the thoughts and ideas behind modern economic theory, it might be a good idea to start with The Economist.
The History of The Economist
To help advance the repeal of the Corn Laws, James Wilson launched The Economist in 1843. To this day, the paper’s content is governed by the 13 coverage areas deemed acceptable at launch. Its staff dedicates themselves to covering topics like parliamentary reports, agriculture, trade, and political economy. The paper’s strict editorial guidelines have helped it become one of the world’s premier periodicals on public affairs.
Unlike many other papers, The Economist had a long history of steady ownership and a few long-lasting editors. This allowed the paper a steady path to growing its readership and its sources. Over the years, however, it’s viewpoints has varied somewhat. While liberal on social issues, for the most part, the paper likes to place itself in the center. The Economist supported conservatives like Reagan and Thatcher. But, when policies align, supported the likes of Bill Clinton and Harold Wilson. Though it’s not clear just how much items in The Economist may have changed the world, they did influence one person for certain: Karl Marx. He once credited The Economist for providing much of the evidence he needed to properly formulate socialist theory.
The Economist is currently on a fast track to even greater success. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), the paper has grown by nearly 33-percent since its numbers were last measured. In 2016, the paper circulated over 1.5 million copies every week.
Interesting Facts About The Economist
- The Economist describes itself as “ a product of Caledonian liberalism of Adam Smith and David Hume.”
- According to surveys, more than 60-percent of the Economist’s American readers make over 100,000 dollars a year.
- On the contents’ page of every issue, the paper writes its mission statement in italics. This statement reads: “First published in September 1843 to take part in ‘a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress.”
- After receiving one in 2012 , China became the first new country to receive a weekly section in over 70 years.
- In order to maintain a collaborative voice, the articles in The Economist almost never carry a byline. This includes articles written by the editor.
The Economist Archive
To find back issues of The Economist or to check availability of the newspaper, follow these steps:
- Visit the old newspapers archive page.
- Choose your desired newspaper and edition.
- Select the pack you wish to purchase. .