This address examines the historical trajectory and cultural significance of Harper's Magazine over its first century of publication. Frederick Lewis Allen, a distinguished historian and editor, draws upon his extensive experience with the magazine to analyze its evolution. The work presents an argument for Harper's role as a vital chronicler of American life and thought from 1850 to 1950, utilizing the magazine's own content as primary evidence.

This centenary address by Frederick Lewis Allen offers a historical overview and critical assessment of Harper's Magazine's first century. As a significant publication in American letters, its evolution is likely to be of interest to scholars of journalism, history, and American studies. The work provides a curated perspective on the magazine's content and its role in shaping public opinion and cultural narratives during a pivotal era.