The American Historical Review
The American Historical Review emerged in 1895 through a joint effort between the history departments at Cornell University and Harvard University. Plans to establish this journal began during an American Historical Association meeting held in December 1894. Twenty-six historians from diverse North American universities gathered for a conference in April 1895 to outline the main guidelines and structure of the publication. They modeled their work on The English Historical Review and the French Revue historique. Their goal was to promote historical studies, collect and preserve documents, and disseminate research findings. This new journal aimed to be more rigorous and scientific than existing magazines of that era. Many American university historians had recently been trained at German universities where they encountered journals like Historische Zeitschrift and Revue Historique.
The editorial offices currently reside within the American Historical Association headquarters located in Washington D.C. A small staff produces the publication under the oversight of a board of editors and associate review editors. From October 2007 until 2011, the University of Chicago Press handled the publishing duties. As of 2023, Oxford University Press has taken over as the publisher. The editorial board consists of scholars representing all fields of historical study. This administrative shift reflects changes in how academic institutions manage scholarly communication over time. The transition between publishers marks distinct eras in the journal's operational history.
In the 2011 Journal Citation Reports, The American Historical Review held the highest impact factor among all history journals. It targets readers interested in all periods and facets of history worldwide. Critics have often described it as the premier journal of American history globally. This status places it above other competing publications in terms of influence and reach. The high impact factor indicates that articles published here are frequently cited by other researchers. Such citations demonstrate the journal's central role in shaping current historical discourse across disciplines.
The journal publishes four issues per year during March, June, September, and December. Each issue contains research articles, reviews, and other items for consideration. The acceptance rate for research article submissions ranges from 8 to 10 percent annually. Approximately 650 book reviews appear each year within these quarterly releases. These numbers reflect a selective process designed to maintain high standards of scholarship. The quarterly schedule ensures consistent delivery of new research to historians and students alike.
Since its inception in 1895, The American Historical Review has maintained an official relationship with the American Historical Association. Edward G. Bourne wrote about this publication in the Journal of Political Economy volume 4 issue 1 in 1895. The journal serves as an official organ for the association while operating under various publishing contracts over time. Its enduring connection to the association highlights how professional organizations support scholarly communication. Back issues remain available in full text through external links provided by the organization today.
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Common questions
When was The American Historical Review established?
The American Historical Review emerged in 1895 through a joint effort between the history departments at Cornell University and Harvard University. Plans to establish this journal began during an American Historical Association meeting held in December 1894.
Who publishes The American Historical Review as of 2023?
As of 2023, Oxford University Press has taken over as the publisher for The American Historical Review. From October 2007 until 2011, the University of Chicago Press handled the publishing duties before this transition occurred.
What is the impact factor ranking of The American Historical Review?
In the 2011 Journal Citation Reports, The American Historical Review held the highest impact factor among all history journals. This status places it above other competing publications in terms of influence and reach within the field.
How many issues does The American Historical Review publish per year?
The journal publishes four issues per year during March, June, September, and December. Approximately 650 book reviews appear each year within these quarterly releases alongside research articles.
Which organization officially sponsors The American Historical Review?
Since its inception in 1895, The American Historical Review has maintained an official relationship with the American Historical Association. Edward G. Bourne wrote about this publication in the Journal of Political Economy volume 4 issue 1 in 1895 to document this connection.