The editorial team of Contemporary Review brings together experience of life, education and research in Britain, America and Continental Europe. It aims to encompass a wide knowledge of English-speaking and European cultures in a range of disciplines, including history, politics and international affairs, literature, art, architecture and music.

Contemporary Review was founded in 1866 by a distinguished gathering of English intellectuals anxious to promote intelligent and independent opinion about the great issues of their day. A century later it merged with its even older rival Fortnightly Review, which had been founded by Anthony Trollope. The great names of Victorian England were among the contributors. They included: W. E. Gladstone, Matthew Arnold, John Ruskin, Cardinal Manning, Anthony Trollope, Herbert Spencer and J. M. Barrie. Well known writers from recent decades include A L Rowse and Stephen Spender as well as important MPs, peers and retired diplomats. They set the tradition of clear and authoritative writing that we strive to follow today. Our aim remains to provide a platform where experts in one field may address intelligent people in other fields.


Most contributions are commissioned, but the journal has limited scope for articles, 2000–3000 words in length, from freelance writers with authoritative knowledge of their subjects. Material will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope (in the UK) or the requisite amount in International Reply Coupons (for contributions from elsewhere). We do not undertake to review unsolicited books and cannot enter into correspondence or discussion about them.