This survey of great rags is a thrill for mag-philes and a crash course in what makes a publication truly strong (answer: a great editor!) Here’s a peek:

#1. Esquire, under Harold T.P. Hayes (1961–1973)
#8. Wired, early years until Condé Nast buyout (1993–1998)
#12. National Geographic
#30. Fuck You/ A Magazine of the Arts
#35. Ms. The greatest women’s advocate on our list
#51. Tiger Beat

Read: The 51 Best* Magazines Ever

*Smartest, Prettiest, Coolest, Funniest, Most Influential, Most Necessary, Most Important, Most Essential, etc.
By Graydon Carter (Editor of Vanity Fair,) and GOOD Magazine