Life, an Influential Magazine

One of America's most influential and popular magazines published its first issue this week in 1936. At the time, Life magazine was a startling innovation. Taking advantage of the recently developed, small 35-millimeter camera, Life established the art of photo journalism.

For 36 years, millions of homes across the U.S. eagerly awaited their weekly issues, which chronicled American society and culture in pictures that were a personal experience for readers. Now, no single magazine has the market share and impact that Life enjoyed in the 1930s and 40s.

Americans spend an average of $48.50 a year on magazines and 122 hours reading them.