Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between literary modernism and mainstream culture within a little-studied American magazine, Life (New York, 1884-1936). It does so by looking at three ways in which Life presented modernism to its readers: by quoting modernist writing, and, above all, by satirizing modernist art, and by offering didactic explanations of modernist art and literature. By reconsidering some of the long-established divisions between high and low culture, and between ‘little’ and ‘bigger’ magazines, this paper contributes to a better understanding of what modernism was and meant. It also suggests that the double agenda observed in Life – both satirical and didactic – might be a way of defining middlebrow magazines.
Highlights
This paper explores the relationship between literary modernism and mainstream culture within a little-studied American magazine, Life (New York, 1884-1936)
The study of Life allows us to better understand the reception of modernism at the time of its production, when most cultural actors did not know how to measure its importance. It sheds light on how modernism was represented in ambivalent ways that mocked avant-garde productions and paid homage to them, revealing as such the middle-of-the-road position adopted by Life
In Life, modernism circulated in ways that have been little studied, partly because they were not used by the dominant medium of modernism, namely ‘little’ magazines
Summary
To cite this article: Céline Mansanti, ‘Mainstreaming the Avant-Garde: Modernism in Life Magazine (New York, 1883–1936)’, Journal of European Periodical Studies, 1.2 (Winter 2016), 113–28
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
