In the 1600's, notices and reviews of new books were added to newspapers as inserts. The first real periodical, 'Le Journal des Savants', included news of books and authors, plus commentaries on arts, philosophy, and science. 'Le Journal des Savants' was published in Paris in January of 1655 by Denys de Sallo. Other, more general magazines followed. They were composed of comments on morals and manners, letters, sketches, stories, and poems. Throughout Europe, magazines flourished. Britain, France, and Germany were known for the quality of their publications.

Magazines did not appear in North America until the 1740's, and few had the time or money to become regular readers. Nevertheless, some American magazines managed to become well-known and well-read: Harper's, the Atlantic Monthly, the Ladies' Home Journal, and The Saturday Evening Post come to mind.

Nowadays, there is a magazine for almost any interest. Thick, full-colour, extensively advertised periodicals are available everywhere.