Time magazine collection

A collection of Time magazine issues, an iconic global news publication that has documented leaders and events shaping history since 1923.

About this subject

Time magazine was founded on March 3, 1923, by journalists Briton Hadden and Henry Luce, becoming the first weekly news magazine in the United States. Its innovative format, with concise summaries and the iconic red border, quickly established it as a benchmark in journalism. Time is globally known for its cover and the annual 'Person of the Year' feature, a tradition started in 1927 that honors individuals who most influenced the year, for better or worse.

Time's covers are considered historical artifacts, portraying everyone from political leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill to cultural icons such as the Beatles and Oprah Winfrey. Throughout its history, the magazine has featured over 4,500 covers, each telling a part of the global narrative. The special edition of September 11, 2001, with the image of the Twin Towers in flames, is one of the most emblematic.

The physical collection of Time issues represents a true archive of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Many of these issues are sought after by collectors, especially rare editions or ones with covers of historical figures. The magazine has also adapted to the digital age, maintaining its website as one of the most visited globally, but its print editions continue to be cherished as objects of memory and nostalgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous Time magazine cover?

One of the most iconic covers is from September 11, 2001, showing the Twin Towers in flames with the words 'Nations United' or 'The Day That Changed America'. Other famous covers include Albert Einstein (1979) and Martin Luther King Jr. (1964).

Who was the first Person of the Year for Time?

The first Person of the Year was aviator Charles Lindbergh in 1927, for his solo transatlantic flight. The choice was originally called 'Man of the Year' and was renamed 'Person of the Year' in 1999.

How does Time select its covers?

Cover selection is made by the editorial team based on the journalistic relevance of the event or personality. The cover is planned weeks in advance, but last-minute changes can occur in case of major events.