When
Fraser's Magazinewas set up in 1830, it was entering into a literary market populated by a huge number and variety of periodicals and magazines. The first of these, the
Edinburgh Review, was established in 1802 with Francis Jeffrey as its editor, and was a vocal supporter of the Whig Party. The
Quarterly Reviewwas soon set up as its Tory rival, and these were joined in 1824 by the radical
Westminster Review. As suggested by the names, however, these only appeared quarterly, whereas
Fraser'swas a monthly journal, and thus could comment more immediately on issues of topical concern. Founded by the eponymous Hugh Fraser and William Maginn, it began by offering a distinctively Tory voice. Its early contributors included Robert Southey, Thomas Carlyle, W. M. Thackeray and J. S. Mill.
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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Fraser's Magazine". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 August 2013 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=443, accessed 19 March 2024.]