Are you considering subscribing to the Paris Review but unsure if it’s worth the investment? Let’s explore what makes this literary magazine stand out and whether it’s worth the price.
What is the Paris Review?
The Paris Review is a prestigious literary magazine founded in 1953 by George Plimpton. The publication is known for its high-quality fiction, poetry, and interviews with notable writers such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Joan Didion.
What Does the Subscription Include?
A subscription to the Paris Review includes four print issues per year, access to digital archives dating back to 1953, and exclusive online content such as author interviews and essays.
Why Should You Subscribe?
If you’re a lover of literature, there are several reasons why subscribing to the Paris Review could be worth it:
- Access to High-Quality Literature: The Paris Review publishes some of the best contemporary fiction and poetry out there. Each issue includes new works from both established and up-and-coming writers.
- Exclusive Interviews: The magazine has a reputation for conducting some of the most insightful author interviews around. From J.D.
Salinger to Zadie Smith, you’ll gain unique insights into your favorite writers’ creative processes.
- Digital Archives: With a subscription, you gain access to every issue of the Paris Review since its inception in 1953. This makes it an invaluable resource for scholars and anyone interested in literary history.
- The Joy of Reading: Simply put, reading is good for your brain! And if you’re someone who loves reading, receiving four beautifully designed issues per year can be a real treat.
What Are the Drawbacks?
Of course, no subscription is perfect. Here are a few things to consider before subscribing to the Paris Review:
- The Price: At $60 per year, the Paris Review is not cheap. However, if you consider the quality of the content and the fact that it’s ad-free, it may be worth it.
- The Time Commitment: The Paris Review is not a quick read.
Each issue includes several short stories and poems, as well as longer essays and interviews. If you’re someone who prefers shorter pieces or doesn’t have much time for reading, this may not be the best option for you.
- The Subject Matter: While the Paris Review publishes a wide range of literary works, it’s not for everyone. If you’re someone who only reads science fiction or romance novels, you may not find what you’re looking for here.
Conclusion
So, is the Paris Review worth it? Ultimately, that decision depends on your personal preferences and budget.
However, if you’re someone who loves literature and wants access to some of the best writing out there, subscribing to this prestigious magazine could be a wise investment. With its high-quality content and exclusive interviews with notable writers, the Paris Review is truly one of a kind.