New Humanist
C. A. Watts founded a publication called Watts's Literary Guide in November 1885. This quarterly magazine began as a small venture focused on literature and rational thought. The title changed to The Literary Guide and Rationalist Review in 1894. It kept that name until 1954 when the publication evolved again. Humanist became its new identity from 1956 through 1971. The magazine adopted its current name, New Humanist, in 1972. For over a century, the periodical served as a platform for sceptical perspectives on culture and science.
Jim Herrick held the editor position from 1984 until 2002. He later transitioned to become the journal's literary editor before retiring in 2005. Frank Jordans took over the editor role from 2002 until 2005. Caspar Melville assumed managing editor duties in 2005 while also serving as CEO of the Rationalist Association. Daniel Trilling stepped into the editor chair in 2013. Samira Shackle led the magazine from spring 2020 to spring 2023. Niki Seth-Smith currently serves as Editor.
Laurie Taylor contributed regular columns exploring social issues and humanist philosophy. Simon Hoggart wrote political commentary that appeared within the pages. Sally Feldman offered insights on disability rights and secular ethics. Shaparak Khorsandi shared her experiences as a comedian and writer. Samira Ahmed provided reporting on global affairs and community stories. Marcus Chown delivered articles on science and astronomy topics. Michael Rosen contributed children's literature reviews and personal essays. These voices shaped the magazine's diverse range of perspectives.
The publication received shortlisting status for Foreign Press Association awards in 2023. This recognition highlighted its quality journalism among international peers. New Humanist won the Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award in 2023. The magazine secured another victory at this same ceremony in 2024. These accolades validated the periodical's approach to sceptical reporting on religious matters. The awards demonstrated growing respect for independent secular journalism in Britain.
The Rationalist Association published the magazine for its first 139 years before merging with Humanists UK in January 2025. This organizational change brought new leadership structures to the quarterly publication. Humanists UK announced Ian Dunt would chair the magazine's new editorial board in May that year. The merger represented a significant shift after nearly four decades of continuous operation under the original publisher. The restructuring aimed to strengthen the magazine's reach and resources for future issues.
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Common questions
When did C. A. Watts found the publication that became New Humanist?
C. A. Watts founded the publication called Watts's Literary Guide in November 1885.
Who edited New Humanist from 2020 to 2023?
Samira Shackle led the magazine from spring 2020 to spring 2023.
What awards did New Humanist win in 2023 and 2024?
New Humanist won the Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award in 2023 and secured another victory at this same ceremony in 2024.
When did the Rationalist Association merge with Humanists UK?
The Rationalist Association published the magazine for its first 139 years before merging with Humanists UK in January 2025.
Who chairs the editorial board of New Humanist after the merger?
Humanists UK announced Ian Dunt would chair the magazine's new editorial board in May 2025.