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Esquire (magazine) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Esquire Magazine: History and Evolution

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Esquire Magazine: History and Evolution Study Guide

Founding and Early Development (1933-1940s)

Esquire magazine originated as a standalone publication focused solely on men's fashion in 1933.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esquire originated as an offshoot of the trade magazine Apparel Arts, not as a standalone publication solely focused on fashion, although fashion was a significant component of its early content.

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Arnold Gingrich, David A. Smart, and Henry L. Jackson were the founding figures of Esquire magazine, each contributing distinct expertise.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arnold Gingrich, David A. Smart, and Henry L. Jackson were indeed the principal founders of Esquire, bringing together expertise in publishing, business management, and editorial direction, respectively.

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The political leanings of Esquire's founders were identical, leading to a consistently uniform editorial perspective.

Answer: False

Explanation: The founders held differing political viewpoints, which facilitated the inclusion of diverse perspectives and debates within the magazine's content.

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Esquire magazine was initially planned as a quarterly publication but quickly shifted to a more frequent schedule due to high demand.

Answer: True

Explanation: The magazine was initially conceived with a quarterly publication schedule, but its popularity led to a rapid transition to a more frequent release cadence.

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Prominent literary figures like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald were among the early contributors to Esquire.

Answer: True

Explanation: In its nascent years, Esquire attracted contributions from distinguished literary figures such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, underscoring its early literary significance.

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The 'Esky' character, a stylized face, was created to represent the magazine's refined character and readership.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Esky' character, a distinctive graphic element, was developed to symbolize the magazine's sophisticated persona and appeal to its intended readership.

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The primary focus of Esquire magazine in its first fifteen years was political commentary and investigative journalism.

Answer: False

Explanation: During its initial fifteen years, Esquire's primary focus was significantly on its fashion section, rather than political commentary or investigative journalism.

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What is Esquire magazine primarily recognized as?

Answer: An American men's magazine.

Explanation: Esquire magazine is primarily recognized as a prominent American men's magazine, known for its blend of fashion, culture, literature, and journalism.

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Esquire magazine first appeared in which year, and what was its precursor publication?

Answer: 1933, from Apparel Arts

Explanation: Esquire magazine debuted in 1933, originating as an offshoot of the trade publication Apparel Arts.

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Which of the following individuals was NOT a founder of Esquire magazine?

Answer: Harold Hayes

Explanation: Arnold Gingrich, David A. Smart, and Henry L. Jackson were the founders of Esquire. Harold Hayes was a later influential editor.

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How did the differing political viewpoints of founders Jackson (Republican) and Smart (Democratic) impact the magazine's content?

Answer: It enabled the magazine to feature debates between different perspectives, fostering diverse content.

Explanation: The divergent political leanings of the founders allowed Esquire to incorporate a range of viewpoints, fostering a dynamic and diverse editorial landscape.

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What was the initial pricing and planned frequency for Esquire upon its launch?

Answer: Fifty cents per copy, planned quarterly.

Explanation: Upon its launch, Esquire was planned as a quarterly publication with a price of fifty cents per issue.

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Which renowned authors were among the early literary contributors to Esquire?

Answer: Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald

Explanation: Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald were among the distinguished literary figures who contributed to Esquire in its early years.

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What was the intended representation of the 'Esky' character?

Answer: The magazine's mascot representing refined character and readership.

Explanation: The 'Esky' character was conceived as a mascot to embody the magazine's refined character and appeal to its target readership.

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Which publication served as the origin for Esquire magazine?

Answer: Apparel Arts

Explanation: Esquire magazine originated from the trade publication Apparel Arts.

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Editorial Evolution and Literary Contributions

Harold Hayes, as editor, steered Esquire towards the New Journalism movement, publishing influential writers and experimenting with audio content.

Answer: True

Explanation: Under Harold Hayes's editorship, Esquire became a vanguard of the New Journalism movement, featuring seminal works by prominent authors and exploring innovative formats like audio LPs.

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David M. Granger revitalized Esquire in the late 1990s by focusing exclusively on literary journalism, leading to a significant increase in readership.

Answer: False

Explanation: David M. Granger's revitalization efforts in the late 1990s shifted Esquire's focus towards lifestyle content, rather than exclusively literary journalism, though this direction did garner acclaim.

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Norman Mailer, Tom Wolfe, and Gay Talese are writers who have been associated with Esquire magazine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Norman Mailer, Tom Wolfe, and Gay Talese are among the many distinguished writers whose works have been published in Esquire, contributing significantly to its literary reputation.

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Gordon Lish, as fiction editor, championed authors like Raymond Carver and encouraged his minimalist writing style.

Answer: True

Explanation: Gordon Lish, serving as Esquire's fiction editor, notably championed Raymond Carver, fostering his distinctive minimalist literary style.

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During Harold Hayes's editorship (1961-1973), Esquire became a pioneer in which literary movement?

Answer: New Journalism

Explanation: Under Harold Hayes's editorial leadership, Esquire emerged as a significant platform for the New Journalism movement.

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Under David M. Granger's editorship starting in 1997, what was a primary shift in Esquire's content focus?

Answer: A shift towards lifestyle content, including 'metrosexual' culture.

Explanation: David M. Granger's editorship marked a significant shift towards lifestyle content, incorporating elements like 'metrosexual' culture into Esquire's editorial direction.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as an acclaimed writer associated with Esquire?

Answer: William Faulkner

Explanation: While Tom Wolfe, Gay Talese, and Ernest Hemingway are listed as associated writers, William Faulkner is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text as an Esquire contributor.

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Gordon Lish, known as 'Captain Fiction', served as Esquire's fiction editor and notably championed which author?

Answer: Raymond Carver

Explanation: Gordon Lish, during his tenure as Esquire's fiction editor, was instrumental in championing the work of author Raymond Carver.

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Visual Culture, Features, and Brand Identity

George Petty and Alberto Vargas were key illustrators for Esquire's pin-up art during the mid-20th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Petty and Alberto Vargas were indeed prominent illustrators whose distinctive pin-up art was a significant feature of Esquire during the mid-20th century.

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'The Big Black Book' was a special issue launched by Esquire focusing on photography and was published quarterly.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'The Big Black Book' was a special issue focused on style, not photography, and was published twice annually, not quarterly.

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The 'Daily Endorsement Blog' recommended political candidates for readers to support.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Daily Endorsement Blog' primarily recommended products and ideas for readers' enjoyment, rather than endorsing political candidates.

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In February 1977, Esquire published a fiction piece attributed to J.D. Salinger, marking the first time an author was identified.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fiction piece published in February 1977 was unique because it was unsigned, marking the first instance Esquire published a story without identifying the author, contrary to identifying one.

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The 'Napkin Fiction Project' involved writers submitting stories on cocktail napkins mailed to them by the fiction editor.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Napkin Fiction Project' was an initiative where writers were playfully encouraged to submit short fiction on cocktail napkins provided by the fiction editor.

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The 'Dubious Achievement Awards' feature humorously recognized positive accomplishments from the previous year.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Dubious Achievement Awards' feature humorously lampooned events and accomplishments from the preceding year, rather than recognizing positive achievements.

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Scarlett Johansson was named 'Sexiest Woman Alive' by Esquire twice, in 2006 and 2013.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scarlett Johansson was indeed honored as 'Sexiest Woman Alive' by Esquire on two separate occasions: in 2006 and again in 2013.

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The 'Sound Tour' LPs released by Esquire in the mid-1960s were intended to provide travel advice and music for international exploration.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Sound Tour' LPs, a mid-1960s initiative by Esquire in collaboration with Verve Records, were designed to offer music and guidance for international travel.

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Who were the primary pin-up illustrators featured by Esquire in the mid-20th century?

Answer: George Petty and Alberto Vargas

Explanation: George Petty and Alberto Vargas were the principal illustrators whose pin-up art was prominently featured in Esquire during the mid-20th century.

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What was the primary characteristic of 'The Big Black Book' launched by Esquire in 2006?

Answer: It was a special issue focused on style.

Explanation: 'The Big Black Book' was a specialized issue of Esquire dedicated primarily to style, launched in 2006.

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What was the purpose of the 'Daily Endorsement Blog' launched by Esquire in 2009?

Answer: To recommend products and ideas for readers' enjoyment.

Explanation: The 'Daily Endorsement Blog' was established by Esquire in 2009 to recommend various products and ideas deemed enjoyable for its readership, rather than political endorsements.

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What was unique about the fiction piece published in Esquire in February 1977 titled 'For Rupert – with no promises'?

Answer: It was the first time the magazine published a story without identifying the author.

Explanation: The publication of 'For Rupert – with no promises' in February 1977 was notable as it marked the inaugural instance of Esquire publishing a fiction piece without attributing authorship.

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The 'Napkin Fiction Project' was an initiative where writers were encouraged to submit short fiction on what medium?

Answer: Cocktail napkins

Explanation: The 'Napkin Fiction Project' encouraged writers to submit short fiction pieces written on cocktail napkins.

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What was the recurring theme involving Richard Nixon in Esquire's 'Dubious Achievement Awards'?

Answer: A photo of Nixon laughing, with the caption 'Why is this man laughing?'.

Explanation: A recurring element in Esquire's 'Dubious Achievement Awards' featured a photograph of Richard Nixon laughing, accompanied by the caption 'Why is this man laughing?'.

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What was the purpose of the 'Sound Tour' LPs released by Esquire in partnership with Verve Records?

Answer: To provide travel advice and music for explorers.

Explanation: The 'Sound Tour' LPs were created by Esquire in collaboration with Verve Records to offer music and guidance intended for travelers exploring international destinations.

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Corporate History and Ownership

The 'Esquire Fortnightly' experiment, initiated by Clay Felker, was a financial success, leading to its continuation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Esquire Fortnightly' experiment, undertaken by Clay Felker, resulted in significant financial losses, prompting a reversion to monthly publication.

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The 13-30 Corporation acquired Esquire magazine in 1979.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1979, the 13-30 Corporation completed its acquisition of Esquire magazine.

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Esquire currently operates 23 international editions.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of the provided data, Esquire maintains a global presence with 23 active international editions.

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The 'Esquire Network' was a television channel based on the magazine brand that is still operational today.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Esquire Network,' a television channel derived from the magazine's brand, has ceased operations and is no longer active.

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Michael Sebastian is the current Editor-in-Chief of Esquire magazine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Michael Sebastian holds the position of current Editor-in-Chief for Esquire magazine.

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Who is the current publisher of Esquire in the United States?

Answer: Hearst Communications

Explanation: Hearst Communications is the current publisher of Esquire magazine in the United States.

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What was the outcome of the 'Esquire Fortnightly' experiment in 1978?

Answer: It resulted in a significant financial loss, causing a return to monthly publication.

Explanation: The 'Esquire Fortnightly' experiment proved financially unsuccessful, leading to its discontinuation and a return to monthly publication.

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Which company acquired Esquire magazine in 1979?

Answer: The 13-30 Corporation

Explanation: In 1979, The 13-30 Corporation acquired Esquire magazine.

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How many international editions of Esquire are currently in operation?

Answer: 23

Explanation: Esquire currently operates 23 distinct international editions worldwide.

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What happened to the 'Esquire Network' mentioned in the 'See also' section?

Answer: It ceased operations.

Explanation: The 'Esquire Network,' a television channel associated with the magazine brand, has ceased its operations.

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Publication Dynamics and Circulation

In 1971, Esquire increased its physical dimensions to a larger format to accommodate more content.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1971, Esquire actually transitioned from its larger format to a smaller, standard letter size, contrary to increasing its dimensions.

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Esquire's publication frequency has remained consistent at monthly issues since its inception.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esquire's publication frequency has undergone several changes since its inception, evolving from its initial quarterly plan to various monthly and bi-monthly schedules, and currently publishes six times per year.

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As of December 2020, Esquire magazine's total circulation was reported to be over 629,000 copies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Circulation data from December 2020 indicates that Esquire magazine achieved a total circulation exceeding 629,000 copies.

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Esquire magazine is currently published quarterly, with four issues per year.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esquire magazine currently publishes six issues per year, not quarterly.

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What significant physical format change did Esquire undergo in 1971?

Answer: It transitioned from a large-magazine format to a standard letter size.

Explanation: In 1971, Esquire altered its physical format, moving from its traditional large-magazine dimensions to the more standard letter size.

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How has Esquire's publication frequency evolved by 2018?

Answer: It moved to publishing eight issues per year.

Explanation: By 2018, Esquire had adjusted its publication schedule, moving to an output of eight issues annually.

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What was the total circulation of Esquire magazine as recorded in December 2020?

Answer: Approximately 629,949

Explanation: As of December 2020, Esquire magazine reported a total circulation figure of 629,949 copies.

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What is the current stated frequency of publication for Esquire magazine?

Answer: Six times a year

Explanation: Esquire magazine is currently published six times annually.

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Controversies and Critical Reception

In the 1940s, Esquire was censured by the U.S. Postmaster General for promoting lewd images, but the Supreme Court eventually ruled against the magazine.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Esquire was indeed censured by the U.S. Postmaster General in the 1940s for allegations of promoting lewd imagery, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the magazine, upholding its right to use the postal service.

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The 'Sexiest Woman Alive' feature, which ran from 2003 to 2015, was criticized for focusing too much on the women's intellectual contributions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Sexiest Woman Alive' feature was criticized for its superficial focus and lack of emphasis on intellectual contributions, rather than for focusing too much on them.

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What was the core issue in the 1940s controversy involving Esquire and the U.S. Postmaster General?

Answer: Allegations of using the postal service to promote lewd images, specifically 'Petty Girls' and 'Vargas Girls'.

Explanation: The central issue in the 1940s controversy was the allegation that Esquire utilized the U.S. Postal Service to disseminate lewd imagery, particularly the 'Petty Girls' and 'Vargas Girls' illustrations.

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