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Graydon Carter - A Look At A Magazine Legend

Morgan Langworth

For anyone who has spent time looking at the world of magazines, the name Graydon Carter likely brings to mind a certain kind of storytelling, a particular way of seeing things. He is a Canadian journalist, a person who has spent a good deal of his working life shaping the written word. He was, for a significant stretch of time, the editor in charge of both Vanity Fair and Spy magazines, publications that certainly made their mark on popular culture and the news of their day. His career has seen him involved in many different aspects of media, making him a figure of considerable interest for those who follow such matters.

His connection to the public eye goes back a bit, you know, with mentions of him alongside figures like Sunday Morning anchor Jane Pauley, which suggests a presence in wider media conversations. There's also a link to CBS News, indicating a reach beyond just print. He even had a connection to The New York Observer, that weekly Manhattan newspaper, which was quite distinct for the color of paper it was printed on, a detail that apparently caught Carter's eye, which is that kind of thing you just remember.

Those who have spent a good while working alongside Graydon Carter seem to have a shared sense of his style and approach. He has been, for many, a steady presence in the sometimes turbulent business of publishing. From his early days at Spy magazine, where he was seen with colleagues like Eric Kaplan and Susan Morrison at a gathering in 1986, to his more recent endeavors, there’s a consistent thread of involvement in the creation of stories and the presentation of ideas, which, you know, makes him a person whose career is worth a closer look.

Table of Contents

Who is Graydon Carter? A Brief Biography

Graydon Carter, a person whose name is quite often heard when discussions turn to the history of magazine publishing, comes from Canada. He made a name for himself as a journalist, someone who tells stories and presents facts in a compelling way. His professional path led him to some of the most prominent editorial positions in the publishing world, a place where many aspiring writers and editors wish to be. He took on the role of editor for two very well-known publications, Vanity Fair and Spy magazines, which, you know, gave him a lot of influence over what people read and how they thought about culture and events.

His work extended beyond just putting out magazines. He has been recognized for his contributions, being named to the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame, a significant honor in his field. Beyond his editorial duties, Graydon Carter has also put his thoughts down in book form, acting as both an author and someone who helps other authors bring their books to life. It's almost as if he has a hand in every part of the storytelling process, which is that kind of thing that truly defines a career.

Furthermore, his creative pursuits have branched out into other areas. He has been a producer for plays, bringing theatrical productions to the stage, and also for documentaries, creating films that explore real-life subjects. And, in a somewhat different vein, he is also a restaurateur, someone who owns and runs dining establishments. This range of activities shows a person with a wide set of interests and a desire to be involved in many forms of creative and business endeavors, which, you know, is quite a lot for one person to take on.

Graydon Carter - Personal Details

NameGraydon Carter
NationalityCanadian
Primary OccupationsJournalist, Editor, Author, Producer (Plays & Documentaries), Restaurateur
Known ForFormer Editor of Vanity Fair & Spy magazines; Founder of Air Mail newsletter; Author of "When the Going Was Good" memoir
Key AffiliationsVanity Fair, Spy Magazine, Air Mail, CBS News, The New York Observer, Condé Nast
Notable RecognitionNamed to the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame
Age (at memoir launch)75 years old

What Made Graydon Carter's Time at Vanity Fair So Noteworthy?

The period Graydon Carter spent at the helm of Vanity Fair magazine is often talked about as a particularly significant chapter in his working life. He was the person in charge, guiding its direction and content. The magazine, under his watchful eye, became known for its ability to secure major stories, the kind that everyone was talking about. One such example, a very memorable one indeed, was the 2015 scoop regarding Caitlyn Jenner's personal journey. Apparently, getting that story out required a good deal of careful planning and, perhaps, some clever moves to keep it a secret until the right moment, which, you know, is the kind of thing that makes for great magazine lore.

Working at such a high-profile publication, especially one known for its in-depth pieces and celebrity profiles, came with its own set of experiences. Graydon Carter himself has spoken about what he called "Vanity Fair hazing," suggesting that the environment could be quite demanding or perhaps even a little rough around the edges at times. This kind of experience is not uncommon in fast-paced, high-stakes media environments, where the pressure to deliver is always present. It paints a picture of a workplace that pushed people to their limits, which, you know, can either break you or make you stronger.

He has also shared stories about the challenges he faced, even as he was just starting out in his role. There were times when the people who advertised in the magazine were, shall we say, not happy, perhaps even in a state of rebellion. And the popular newspapers, the tabloids, were suggesting that his days were already numbered, even before he had truly settled into the job. This kind of pressure from various sides, from within the industry and from the public eye, must have been quite intense, making his long tenure at the magazine even more remarkable, you know, considering what he was up against.

How Did Graydon Carter Shape the Magazine World?

Graydon Carter's influence on the magazine world goes back to his earlier days, particularly with Spy magazine, which he helped to create and run. This publication had a very distinct voice, known for its sharp wit and often satirical take on public figures and events. Working alongside people like Eric Kaplan and Susan Morrison, as seen in a photograph from a party back in 1986, he helped craft a style that was, you know, quite different from other publications at the time. It was a place where humor and incisive commentary went hand in hand, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

His approach to editing, whether at Spy or later at Vanity Fair, seemed to involve a keen sense of what people wanted to read, even if they didn't know it yet. He had a way of presenting stories that captured the public's attention, making magazines feel relevant and exciting. The mention of cardboard cutouts representing other magazine editors like Edward Kosner and Tina Brown suggests a playful, yet competitive, atmosphere within the industry, where personalities were as much a part of the story as the content itself. This, in a way, shows how much he understood the dynamic nature of his profession.

Even after his long and celebrated run at Vanity Fair, Graydon Carter didn't stop contributing to the media landscape. In 2019, he launched a new digital weekly newsletter called Air Mail. This venture showed his willingness to adapt to new forms of media delivery, moving from the traditional printed page to the more immediate world of online content. It's an enjoyable publication, apparently, and it speaks to his ongoing interest in curating and sharing stories, which, you know, is a very strong part of his professional identity.

What Stories Does Graydon Carter's Memoir Tell?

Graydon Carter's memoir, titled "When the Going Was Good," offers a look back at his working life, especially his experiences during what he calls "the last golden age of magazines." This book, reviewed by Nathan Heller, provides an editor's recollections of adventures during a time when print publications held a very different place in the public's mind. It's described as a kind of elegy, which suggests a thoughtful, perhaps slightly mournful, reflection on a period that has passed, a time that, in some respects, might not return.

The book itself, running to 432 pages, tells a compelling story. It presents Graydon Carter as someone who started out as an underdog, a person who might not have been expected to reach the heights he did in the media world. Yet, as the story unfolds, he transforms into what's described as a crisply dressed and flamboyantly maned overdog, a person who clearly made a significant impact and stood out in a crowd. This kind of personal journey, from humble beginnings to a position of prominence, is often what makes a memoir so compelling, you know, for many readers.

Among the many colorful stories Graydon Carter shares in his newly published memoir are some that highlight the behind-the-scenes realities of running a major magazine. One particular instance he writes about, from his career at the venerable Condé Nast property, is the cleverness needed to protect that big 2015 scoop about Caitlyn Jenner's transition. These kinds of details give readers a glimpse into the actual work involved in breaking important news stories, which, you know, is often much more complicated than it appears from the outside.

Graydon Carter's Ventures Beyond the Printed Page

While Graydon Carter is perhaps most recognized for his work with magazines, his professional activities stretch far beyond the editorial desk. As mentioned, he is also an author, having put his own thoughts and experiences into written form for others to read. This creative outlet allows him to share his perspective directly with a wider audience, moving from the role of shaping others' stories to telling his own. It’s a natural progression for someone so deeply involved with words and narratives, which, you know, makes a lot of sense.

His involvement in the arts also includes being a producer of plays. This means he helps bring theatrical productions to life, a role that requires a different set of skills than editing a magazine, yet still involves storytelling and working with creative people. He also produces documentaries, which are films that explore real-life subjects and events. These roles show a person with a wide range of creative interests, someone who enjoys contributing to different forms of artistic expression, which, you know, adds many layers to his career.

And then there's his work as a restaurateur. This particular venture stands out a bit from his media pursuits, but it still involves creating an experience for people, much like a magazine or a play does. It suggests a person who enjoys building things, whether they are publications, performances, or places where people gather to eat and socialize. This diverse set of activities paints a picture of a very active and engaged individual, someone who, you know, seems to always be creating something new.

Was There a Time When Graydon Carter Faced Big Challenges?

Indeed, Graydon Carter's working life was not without its moments of significant challenge, especially during his time leading Vanity Fair. He has spoken about facing situations where the very people who provided financial support to the magazine, the advertisers, were in a state of discontent. This kind of situation can be very difficult for an editor, as the continued existence of a publication often relies heavily on advertising revenue. It puts a lot of pressure on the person in charge to find solutions and keep things running smoothly, which, you know, is a very tough position to be in.

Adding to these pressures, the popular newspapers, often called tabloids, were apparently quite vocal in suggesting that his time at the magazine was going to be short-lived. This happened even before he had truly begun his work, creating an atmosphere of doubt and public scrutiny from the very start. Imagine stepping into a big role only to hear that people are already predicting your downfall. It takes a certain kind of resilience to keep going under such circumstances, and he did, which, you know, says a lot about his character.

There's a story he tells that really captures the kind of situations he found himself in. He recalls a moment, perhaps at the end of a particularly expensive dinner with someone named Tim, where the legendary New York Times editor R.W. Apple stepped in. Apple said, "You better let me take this. They’d never believe it coming from you." This exchange suggests a world where reputation and perception played a huge part in how things were done, and that sometimes, someone else's standing could smooth over a situation that might otherwise be quite difficult. It's a glimpse into the unspoken rules of that kind of world, which, you know, are quite interesting to consider.

Graydon Carter's Reflections on a Life in Media

At the age of 75, Graydon Carter, now a newly minted memoirist, has shared that he has "never been happier." This statement, coming from someone who has spent so many years in the public eye and in demanding roles, offers a sense of contentment with where he is now. He recently sat down with a former intern for what was described as a probing interview, a chance to really look at his experiences guiding publications and reflect on the past. This kind of reflection, you know, often comes with a certain perspective that only time can provide.

His memoir, "When the Going Was Good," is not just a collection of stories; it's a look back at a particular time, a period he sees as the "last golden age of magazines." This suggests a certain nostalgia, perhaps, for a time when print publications held a different kind of cultural sway. The book is an elegy, meaning it's a piece of writing that expresses sorrow or a feeling of loss, often for something that is gone. This choice of word tells us something about his view of that era, which, you know, is quite a poignant way to frame it.

The story he tells in his book, of an underdog who becomes a crisply dressed and flamboyantly maned overdog, speaks to a journey of personal and professional transformation. It's a narrative of overcoming challenges and achieving prominence. The fact that he once, apparently, slept in a boxcar, a detail he "never told us," adds another layer to this transformation, showing a humble beginning that contrasts sharply with his later successes. These kinds of personal anecdotes, you know, really help to paint a fuller picture of the person behind the public image.

In his new memoir, Graydon Carter, who launched his enjoyable digital weekly newsletter Air Mail in 2019 and is a member of the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame, explores his experiences as an author, an editor of books, a producer of plays and documentaries, and even as a restaurateur. The book contains colorful highlights from his career, including the cleverness needed to protect Vanity Fair's 2015 scoop on Caitlyn Jenner's transition, his reflections on "Vanity Fair hazing," and the early challenges he faced with advertisers and tabloids. The article has also touched upon his early work with Spy magazine colleagues Eric Kaplan and Susan Morrison, his connection to The New York Observer, and the powerful advice he received from legendary New York Times editor R.W. Apple.

Graydon Carter to Step Down as Vanity Fair Editor After 25 Years | BoF

Graydon Carter to Step Down as Vanity Fair Editor After 25 Years | BoF

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About Air Mail - Air Mail

About Air Mail - Air Mail

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