Frank Leslie Biography

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Dictionary of Literary Biography on Frank Leslie

In the annals of American journalism, the name of Frank Leslie is associated with so many firsts that he stands out as a pioneer in this field. He established the first successful illustrated news weekly, offered the first full array of specialized publications for all ages and interests, became the first journalist to use his own name as a brand name competing in the national marketplace, conducted America's first successful muckraking crusade, and staged the first self-starring media event to promote his publications. He was also the first journalist or publisher whose widow took his name and successfully extended its usefulness for many years beyond his death. It is almost as if the name were greater than the man, for Leslie was not particularly important in American intellectual, political, or literary history, so far as his originality or creativity is concerned. But above all he was an entrepreneur, and he came onto the scene at just the time when Americans seemed to realize and to accept that the businessman held the reins in the onrushing expansion of the Victorian age.

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