Geographical Review
The American Geographical Society began publishing its first academic journal in 1852. This publication carried the name Bulletin and Journal of the American Geographical Society for over six decades. Isaiah Bowman directed the transition from that bulletin to a new title in 1915. The new periodical became known as The Geographical Review under his leadership. This shift marked a significant evolution in how geographical scholarship reached its audience. The society maintained control over the publication throughout this entire historical arc.
Gladys M. Wrigley served as editor from 1920 until 1949. Her tenure spanned nearly three decades of shaping the journal's direction. Wilma B. Fairchild took over editing duties immediately after Wrigley left office. Fairchild held the position from 1949 through 1972, adding another twenty-three years to the legacy. Douglas McManis edited the journal from 1978 until 1995. He received credit for maintaining high scholarly standards established by his predecessors. These three individuals defined the editorial character of the publication for most of its early history.
The American Geographical Society established the Wrigley-Fairchild Prize in 1994. Its purpose was to promote scholarly writing among new scholars published in the Geographical Review. The award originally appeared every three years during the first phase of its existence. It honored the author of the best article by an early-career scholar found within the most recent three volumes. Beginning in 2020, the prize shifted to an annual schedule. The name honors Gladys M. Wrigley and Wilma B. Fairchild who edited the journal for a combined fifty-two years.
The Journal Citation Reports assigned the journal a 2018 impact factor of 1.636. This metric reflects how frequently articles appear in other academic works. The periodical remains abstracted and indexed across multiple databases for research purposes. These metrics help geographers evaluate the reach and influence of their published work. The data provides a quantitative measure of the journal's standing within the broader field.
Routledge publishes the quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal on behalf of the American Geographical Society. David H. Kaplan serves as editor-in-chief from Kent State University. The society maintains ownership while Routledge handles distribution and production logistics. This partnership allows the publication to cover all aspects of geography with professional oversight. The current operational structure supports both scholarly rigor and wide accessibility for researchers worldwide.
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Common questions
When did the American Geographical Society begin publishing its first academic journal?
The American Geographical Society began publishing its first academic journal in 1852. This publication carried the name Bulletin and Journal of the American Geographical Society for over six decades.
Who directed the transition from the bulletin to The Geographical Review in 1915?
Isaiah Bowman directed the transition from that bulletin to a new title in 1915. The new periodical became known as The Geographical Review under his leadership.
How long did Gladys M. Wrigley serve as editor of The Geographical Review?
Gladys M. Wrigley served as editor from 1920 until 1949. Her tenure spanned nearly three decades of shaping the journal's direction.
What is the purpose of the Wrigley-Fairchild Prize established by the American Geographical Society?
The American Geographical Society established the Wrigley-Fairchild Prize in 1994 to promote scholarly writing among new scholars published in the Geographical Review. The award honors the author of the best article by an early-career scholar found within the most recent three volumes.
Which publisher handles distribution and production logistics for The Geographical Review on behalf of the American Geographical Society?
Routledge publishes the quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal on behalf of the American Geographical Society. The society maintains ownership while Routledge handles distribution and production logistics.