About december

Founded in 1958 amid the small press and little magazine movements, december was dedicated to publishing exceptional literature and art from both emerging and established voices. From its beginnings at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop to its transformative years in Chicago under editor Curt Johnson, the magazine became a home for innovation and discovery.

Over the decades, december proudly published early work by writers such as Rita Mae Brown, Raymond Carver, Stephen Dunn, Donald Hall, Michael Harper, Donald Justice, Ted Kooser, Philip Levine, Joyce Carol Oates, Marge Piercy, William Stafford, C.K. Williams, Charles Wright, and James Wright, among many others.

Revived in 2012 by Gianna Jacobson, december carried its legacy into a new era — combining print tradition with digital reach and continuing its mission to champion diverse, fearless, and unforgettable voices.

After 65 remarkable years, december published its final issue in 2025. We extend our deepest gratitude to the writers, artists, readers, editors, and supporters who sustained this magazine and believed in its purpose: to discover new voices, honor enduring ones, and celebrate connection through poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art.

For inquiries, please contact decembermagazine@gmail.com.