articles, photography, and features, the necessity to increase staff was evident. Windsor Sr. was still very involved in the entire publication process, but by 1905 the staff had been steadily growing. More and more authors and designers participated in the production of Popular Mechanics, and this trend continued after the elder Windsor died. As magazine publication developed, so did Popular Mechanics, especially so after the Hearst takeover in 1958.
Popular Mechanics has always been a magazine aimed at practical use. Not only home projects but science news generally had a male appeal. But from its earliest years, the magazine attempted to attract female readers as well. Early photographs pictured women using dishwashers, electrical appliances, and general home mechanics. Even women's fashion drew attention from Popular Mechanics as early as 1910, with news of handbags, the trousers skirt, and the hobble skirt. One short piece even commented on the use of the garter to carry a small knife for self-protection. Undoubtedly, Popular Mechanics had a vastly predominant male audience, but the interests of women were never ignored.
With its regular hints on do-it-yourself repair, its new and innovative ideas on small and large projects, and its keeping abreast of the latest scientific and technological changes as they affect mechanics, Popular Mechanics remains a favorite of readers everywhere, complete with its still-published international editions.
"Blood, Sweat and Marvels." Time, 1 December 1958, p. 43.
Bragonier, Reginald. The Mechanics of a Magazine. New York: Popular Mechanics, 1984.
Chaney, Lindsay, and Michael Chieply. The Hearsts: Family and Empire--The Later Years. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1981.
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Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information:
Book title: American Mass-Market Magazines.
Contributors: Alan Nourie - Editor, Barbara Nourie - Editor.
Publisher: Greenwood Press.
Place of publication: New York.
Publication year: 1990.
Page number: 384.
This material is protected by copyright and, with the exception of fair use, may not be further copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means.
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