History of Wisdom Magazine
Leon Gutterman, a successful businessman and entrepreneur with a passion for education and lifelong learning, founded Wisdom magazine in 1956 in Beverly Hills, California. He believed that learning was a lifelong process and that people should continue to expand their minds and explore new ideas throughout their lives.
The magazine was founded to provide readers with a wide range of articles and information on a variety of topics, including science, philosophy, history, and the arts, in order to promote knowledge and intellectual growth.
Wisdom magazine established a reputation as a leading publication in the field of lifelong learning and education in its early years. The magazine covered a wide range of topics, with the aim of providing readers with a broad base of knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Wisdom magazine quickly became popular among educators, intellectuals, and other thought leaders. It was well-known for its high-quality content, in-depth analysis, and engaging writing style.
Wisdom magazine evolved and adapted to changing times and tastes during the 1950’s-1960’s. It expanded its coverage to include topics such as health and wellness, personal development, and spirituality, reflecting reader interest in these areas.
Wisdom magazine was a respected and influential publication in its day, with a devoted readership that included people from all walks of life whom were dedicated to lifelong learning and personal growth. While the magazine evolved during the years it was published, it remained true to its original mission of promoting knowledge and intellectual curiosity, and it was a valuable resource for people seeking to broaden their minds and enrich their lives.
Wisdom magazine was published between January 1956 and 1964. There were a total of 39 issues published. What started as a monthly publication ended with only one or two editions per year.
The final issue of Wisdom Magazine was published in 1964.
Acquiring back issues of Wisdom Magazine
Wisdom magazine has out of print since 1964, and past issues are not available in digital format or online. You’ll have to track down a printed copy if you want to read past issues. It is unclear how many copies of each edition were printed, although they can be found rather easily on auction websites like eBay. Other online sites, flea markets, secondhand bookstores, and antique shops may also carry them. Prices for each issue can vary widely, from a few dollars to over $100 per issue depending on how much the seller thinks they are worth. The first 12 issues were originally available individually, but some vendors are including a binder that held 12 issues, that was sold separately by the publisher. Some sellers are grouping them in lots of multiple issues, which is a convenient way to acquire several back issues at once.
Finding a copy in good condition is difficult because the original edition was published over 66 years ago. Despite the fact that the publisher claims only the highest quality papers and bindings were used, most magazines eventually start falling apart. But, you can still locate issues that are in great readable condition. Water damaged or moldy items should be avoided. Many of them will have a mailing label on the back cover because they were only sold by subscription and not sold at newsstands. Some issues may have been read once and then put on a shelf; others may have had a harsh existence and the damage shows, but the material may still be worthwhile to read despite the wear and tear. Between 1956 and 1964, a total of 39 issues were released. Use these links to the editions guide with the table of contents of each issue to determine which issues are of interest to you.
Edition Guide to Past Issues:
Wisdom Magazine Editions 1 – 12 1956
