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History of Journalism

History of Journalism

The history of magazines and newspapers is one of Special Collections' greatest strengths. The collection includes a complete run of The Gentleman's Magazine (1731–1922) as well as many other 18th-century magazines. The Samir Husni Collection offers a nearly comprehensive collection of 20th-century magazines, and other collections showcase newspapers and political cartoons.

Finding Aids for the History of Printing

Betty Winfield Newspaper Collection.

Biographical Note Betty Houchin Winfield, PhD, is a specialist in political communication and mass media history. She completed her doctoral studies…

Editorial Cartoons Syndicate Proofs Collection, 1970-1998.

Currently includes works from Cartoonists & Writers’ Syndicate, North America Syndicate, Inc., and United Feature Syndicate.
Syndication is the…

Miss Mizzou Collection.

Biographical note New York cartoonist Milton Caniff was inspired to create the character of Miss Mizzou, a blond bombshell wearing only a trenchcoat,…

Samir Husni Magazine Collection.

Magazine cover with large type in white and red and a partial headshot of singer Madonna.

Biographical Sketch Samir "Mr. Magazine™" Husni, Ph.D., is a leading expert on print journalism and magazine industry consultant. Husni received his…

September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attack Collection.

Scope and Contents The collection consists of domestic and international magazines and newspapers that show how the September 11th…

Underground Comics Syndicate Proofs Collection.

Scope and Content Note The collection consists of a sample of underground comics published by Rip Off Press, and includes the work of comic artists…

Underground newspaper collection (Archival collection).

Scope and Content Note The Underground Newspaper collection contains independent publications produced by community and student associations…

Walter Williams Library.

Historical Note Walter Williams (1864-1935) was President of the University of Missouri from 1930 – 1935 and served as Dean of the School of…

Related Exhibits

John T. McCutcheon: A Cartoonist in his Prime, 1930s

Cartoon of three men on a ladder with people looking at them out of buildings and below them

Works from American cartoonist John T. McCutcheon in the 1930s.

Life in America: Sixteen Black Magazines from 1953 to 1998

Photograph of Black woman

Over the course of the 20th century, the number of magazines published in the United States went from approximately 5,500...

Fancy Magazines for Pet Fanciers: Birds, Cats, Dogs, and Ferrets

Cover of Best Friends magazine with photograph of a cat with white face, green eyes and brown and black colors

In this exhibit, we are showcasing fourteen pet-centric magazines from the Samir Husni Magazine Collection. Many of these magazines are...

Bridal Magazines, 1992-2011

East-Indian woman wearing purple dress with sequins

This exhibit focuses on a select number of Bridal magazines during that peak from 1992 to 2011. They were donated...

Style Before Social Media: Fifteen Fashion and Beauty Magazines from 1985 - 2005

Woman in pink dress with red flower designs and black buttons in shadow

This exhibit features issues of North American fashion magazines spanning 1985-2004. It was curated in summer 2025 as the final project...

Religious Magazines, 1986-2020

Photograph of a child on a swing

The decades leading up to the new millennium and the decades beyond saw the arrival of modern religious magazines. These...

Sports Magazines, 1986-2006

Picture of three basketball players shooting the ball , and a baseball and football player at the bottom<br />

This exhibit presents sports magazines drawn from the Samir Husni Magazine Collection. The exhibit was curated in summer 2025 as the...

Toys and Collectibles, 1987-2006

Magazine cover with different games over red background and green title

This exhibit presents toy and collectible magazines drawn from the Samir Husni Magazine Collection. The exhibit was curated in summer 2025...

Cooking Magazines, Samir Husni Collection

Magazine cover with title in large type and image of several food items in the background.

Between the 1980s and 2000s, countless magazines were published to help home cooks, ranging from novices to experienced cooks. These...

Music Magazines, 1988-2003

Magazine cover with image of bass player Geddy Lee over white background.

Introduction Music journalism found significance in the 1960s, following the Beatles’ mainstream success. One of the first popular music magazines was...

Selected Items

Game Player's Encyclopedia of Nintendo Games

An illustration of a blonde knight with a sword and shield in front of a colorful geometric background.

The 1990 premiere issue. This magazine includes hints, tips, playing strategies, and other game secrets for dozens of the most popular Nintendo…

Organic Style

Magazine cover with text in white and red and an image of a woman smelling a flower in a field in the background

Preview Issue

College Basketball Today

Two basketball players jumping at the hoop over a dark background with many headings in yellow and black

Look at the Major Conference Races

Fashion Catalogs of America

Woman wearing a white robe and ring on finger

Spinoff from "Catalog Shopping in America"
Volume 1, No. 10

Ferrets USA

Ferret sitting in a basket with head up and two front paws on edge

Vol. 6

Michael

Magazine cover with images of Michael Jackson.

Black Beat Superstar Special #9

This issue of Black Beat Superstar Special (#9), titled Michael, was published in 1993 by the Sterling/Macfadden…

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