love his mag. great pieces of journalism. deepnthroat. madoff, goldmans gold rush, photos by annie leibovitz. will miss him. greetings from germany
6
An erudite Kim Kardashian. A fluff of a human who glorified excess, shallow Hollywood, and outdated British taste.
He helped to dumb it all down down by several notches and the good writing VF occasionally has was offset by its elitist pap.
He helped to dumb it all down down by several notches and the good writing VF occasionally has was offset by its elitist pap.
6
So pretentious, I love it!
2
Who is Graydon Carter and why all the fuss?
Just kidding. He's a brand name in magazine publishing. The announcement is a little like Betty Crocker announcing she is changing the recipe for pancake mix.
The Horace Greeley of the late 20th century.
Just kidding. He's a brand name in magazine publishing. The announcement is a little like Betty Crocker announcing she is changing the recipe for pancake mix.
The Horace Greeley of the late 20th century.
3
To be correct about Britishisms, it's "gardening leave", not "garden leave". It refers to a non-compete period after someone leaves a job. One is not allowed to work in the same industry, so one keeps busy gardening.
I, at least, enjoyed his magazine's articles about 20th century figures of art and society. Where else do we learn about them any more? And there were always echoes into the present day.
And I relished his ongoing support of and references to Canadians in Vanity Fair!
MK
I, at least, enjoyed his magazine's articles about 20th century figures of art and society. Where else do we learn about them any more? And there were always echoes into the present day.
And I relished his ongoing support of and references to Canadians in Vanity Fair!
MK
5
Nice article about...Trump.
1
This is important to maybe 150 or so Manhattan media people at most.
The fact that The Times runs this as breaking news shows how completely out of touch they are.
The fact that The Times runs this as breaking news shows how completely out of touch they are.
6
You couldn't be more incorrect with your sweeping generality. Mr. Carter is the end of an era for those of us who still care about real thought, real reporting and real ink. Vanity Fair is one of the few magazines that still matter - and there are still some of us who care about that rather than the latest Twitter scandal.
8
someone hand him a comb
4
Congratulations, Mister Carter, on your illustrious career. I've loved you since the SPY magazine days. Now that we have Trump the Idiot as prez, your quote of Trump decades ago as "a small-fingered vulgarian" will be viewed as one of the most prescient lines of all time. Good luck, G.C., and fare thee well.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
11
yawn .... east coast elitist resigns from totally irrelevant publication which I truly thought went out of business years ago.
now THERE'S some news!
now THERE'S some news!
3
Thanks primarily to the "puckish" Carter's astonishingly nasty, dishonest yet unimaginative editorial rants against political enemies, I cancelled my subscription to VF. When looking for intelligent attacks on Bush or Trump, I could find better in virtually any online forum. Carter sees Trump as pathetic for his overweening egotism. Perhaps he should put on some glasses and look in the mirror.
5
All I hope is that VF will not dumb down like everything else after he leaves. VF has been my favorite magazine for years. Great job Graydon.
9
I read Vanity Fair cover to cover. I love Graydon Carter's editorials. He will be missed.
4
Oh, don't do that to me again. You stopped me in my tracks.
I read the alert and assumed that Graydon had died.
Next time, a simple article on the front page would do.
I read the alert and assumed that Graydon had died.
Next time, a simple article on the front page would do.
4
Graydon's final conceit is that the magazine that he claims he is leaving "at its top" was, in fact, destroyed by him! The same is true of his fellow liberal glitterati running icons like the NY Times) into the ground before our very eyes because of their out-of-control progressive bias. I mourn the demise of Vaniety Fair, but not the departure of Graydon.
6
I'm not sure how we can all move on past this retirement. This magazine has such huge impact on the lives of so many hard-working Americans, it's a part of the daily fabric of society. Oh wait, you know I'm talking about the Upper East Side of Manhattan, right? I mean, that's all that really matters in this world.
3
Here's an idea for your 1st retirement, Graydon: reboot Spy.
VF sold out after 9/11 when Graydon Carter put Bush & Co on the cover of the November 2001 issue as "The Commanders" - if only...
Carter fed us the same lies justifying the invasion of Iraq as the rest of the media.
That was when I stopped reading VF - they lost all credibility with me.
And, we all know how that misadventure played out.
VF sold out after 9/11 when Graydon Carter put Bush & Co on the cover of the November 2001 issue as "The Commanders" - if only...
Carter fed us the same lies justifying the invasion of Iraq as the rest of the media.
That was when I stopped reading VF - they lost all credibility with me.
And, we all know how that misadventure played out.
1
Wasn't he Graydon JAY Carter once?
Magazine editors should have 4 year terms. It's a rare one that doesn't go stale after that.
I never "got" Vanity Fair. On the one hand there was brilliant writing from the likes of Christopher Hitchins, but on the other were inane fluff pieces about "celebrities" that I can only assume I was supposed to be familiar with. I'll leave celebrity worship to the under 30 crowd.
6
What's not to "get"? It's a classic combination: The fish comes wrapped in news.
2
I used to subscribe and always look with interest at the most recent issue when I see it. I think I stopped the subscription because I felt sorry for the postman have to lug it up to my front door and deposit through the mail slot. It must weigh three or four pounds. Remember reading a fascinating article on the Wyeths of Chadds Ford. I still remember it.
It has become too much about fashion, fashion ads and one-dimensional celebrities. Like 60 Minutes, it's no longer cutting edge.
7
Only one fact about Mr. Carter's decision matters: Very few people in this country care. Yet it is considered a major story in these pages, and a somewhat important story in the Washington Post and LA Times. It's time the poobahs (mandarins, if that term is less inflammatory) of the leading journals start being more aware of the folks who say "who cares?" Our most recent election is a painful reminder of the consequences of failure to pay such attention.
10
I guess elections have consequences as some self absorbed individual once said.
Painful, yes to some. To others it was a breath of fresh air. The beginning or an end of an era of rampant political corruption and cronyism.
To those whom put all their faith in the D.C. swamp and that of the fore chosen successor to the WH HC it is indeed a painful experience.
Individuals such as Graydon Carter obviously very talented and successful probably believes he has come up short in the '16 showdown with Donald, now President Trump. He, like so many others feel they gave it their best shot and their best wasn't good enough. In Graydon's case, he has decided to exit. No doubt he will have lots of company.
Painful, yes to some. To others it was a breath of fresh air. The beginning or an end of an era of rampant political corruption and cronyism.
To those whom put all their faith in the D.C. swamp and that of the fore chosen successor to the WH HC it is indeed a painful experience.
Individuals such as Graydon Carter obviously very talented and successful probably believes he has come up short in the '16 showdown with Donald, now President Trump. He, like so many others feel they gave it their best shot and their best wasn't good enough. In Graydon's case, he has decided to exit. No doubt he will have lots of company.
1
You are absolutely correct. Absolutely.
2
He embalmed the Kennedys and milked their remains beyond all absurdity. How many stories do we need about mummified glitterati from Palm Beach who lived three generations ago? And despite the supposed glamour of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, they were feckless and stupid--but that didn't prevent Graydon from making them a frequent feature. We were forced to quaf it all down with noblesse oblige (but not very good) wine made by predictable (and boring) Italian aristocrats who live in Palladian villas and lost one or more sons or grandsons to stylish dissipation or a high-speed car crash. I'm ready for a change.
17
Who forced you to read the magazine?
3
Graydon skipped over the part about the Duke of Windsor- you know the part when he abandoned his own troops in WW2 and fled to Spain while cutting a deal with Hitler. Hitler promised to restore the Duke to the thrown once Germany took over England and executed Churchill and murdered all the opposition. No one had to remind the Duke that his family was German, not really English anyway. But none of that mattered to Carter as long as you were someone who had a tie knot named after you.
2
A lot of readers are going to miss Mr. Carter's editorship at Vanity Fair. It's one of the great magazines. It's politically left, but nearly always right.
Best wishes Mr. Carter, as a Spy reader, then long time VF reader (from the beginning really), I'm hoping your next venture will be another magazine!
Best wishes Mr. Carter, as a Spy reader, then long time VF reader (from the beginning really), I'm hoping your next venture will be another magazine!
12
I love Vanity Fair. The mix of topics, politics, royalty (I too have a thing for the English) finance, crime. And I appreciate Mr. Carter's sensibilities along with his love of that black & white New York life with a mid century modern feel. The parties, wonderful townhouses, architecture, lifestyles,restaurants and bars. It just a fun peek at different living. I think Mr. Carter did a job keeping all tha alive. I'd love a garden leave.
18
I remember when "mid century" was just called "the Fifties"...
2
what a run! his greatest creation was himself!
10
I have enjoyed vanity fair for years and spy magazine as well, I wish him well and keep working as hard as he can.
Respectfully,
Paul Crawford
Respectfully,
Paul Crawford
3
One can only hope they find someone less elitist than Carer is/was. The problem with Hillary as that she was such a classist snob and VF was just on thing that fostered that in her
10
alice...is it wrong for some magazines to be 'elitist', if VF deserves such a label?
or should absolutely everything be simple enough for a 10 year old? and what is an elitist? somebody who reads a lot, somebody with a university degree, somebody who doesn't drop their g's, somebody who doesn't vote republican, somebody who enjoys museums, art galleries, opera? or something else?
or should absolutely everything be simple enough for a 10 year old? and what is an elitist? somebody who reads a lot, somebody with a university degree, somebody who doesn't drop their g's, somebody who doesn't vote republican, somebody who enjoys museums, art galleries, opera? or something else?
Graydon Carter is the Ralph Lauren of magazines editors. Successful? Sure? But not an iota of originality.
11
Seldom read the pub, just looked at the pictures. Like the 'New York' mag it caters to the Leftist elitist New Yorker.
Too bad these publishers can't be fair and balanced. Too much dogma and propaganda for my taste. What's the term so commonly used to criticize the GOP, they need a bigger tent.
Too bad these publishers can't be fair and balanced. Too much dogma and propaganda for my taste. What's the term so commonly used to criticize the GOP, they need a bigger tent.
1
Thank god, finally! This was long overdue. He was so fabulously successful in using his editorial perch to excoriate Donald Trump for every evil on earth that he became as much of a jerk as the man he opposed. He really prevented Trump from winning the presidency, right? His editorials were so predictable they became boring. One thing that a VF editor can never be is boring, but he became just that. He has been a one-issue man for the last two years. And he has been a dismal failure, at that. Bye bye, and good riddance.
18
I wish Graydon Carter a great third act and thank him [and Kurt Andersen] first and foremost for Spy magazine which was a cultural icon and a must read for a long time.
I graduated onto Vanity Fair at some point and admired a lot of the writers and even some of the excesses. Fun times. Great commentary. Thanks for that too. I saved several issues that focused on actors and movies.
If 'Britishisms' are his thing, what of it. Live large and fully if you can.
But do come back and critique our world. Trump will hate it but who cares!
I graduated onto Vanity Fair at some point and admired a lot of the writers and even some of the excesses. Fun times. Great commentary. Thanks for that too. I saved several issues that focused on actors and movies.
If 'Britishisms' are his thing, what of it. Live large and fully if you can.
But do come back and critique our world. Trump will hate it but who cares!
15
Maybe Mr. Carter thought that President Trump could use a hand & is joining his administration :).
2
After discovering the first issue of SPY on a newsstand, I was an immediate fan and subscriber. I have never forgotten the electric moment I read the phrase "short-fingered vulgarian--" indeed, I immediately called several friends, to read it aloud, and we could not stop laughing. As a piece of criticism, it is perfection and In the past twelve months, I have made liberal use of it on social media. Thanks for memories, Mr Carter. And the ammunition.
11
Another good Canadian guy.
13
Spy was simply the best. It had Donald Trump's number (and goat) long before anybody else did. There are times when I still miss it -- what it could have done with current events.
Job well done, Mr. Carter; enjoy retirement.
Job well done, Mr. Carter; enjoy retirement.
21
I was a big fan of Spy magazine when I moved to NYC in 1982 for a Wall St. job at age 24. I felt like an insider reading Spy and especially loved his reporting and commentary on Trump (my first day on the job I was told that there was only one person I couldn't open an account with because if the stock went down before settlement date, he wouldn't pay for the trade - that's right you guessed it, and it wasn't Graydon Carter). I hope Mr. Carter enjoys his gardening leave and returns to social criticism soon. Godspeed, Sir.
25
not sure how you were a fan in 1982, since it wasn't founded until 1986...
for the past 25 years, every time I pick up an issue of VF, I put it down again in a few minutes, totally uninterested in anything I see
Can someone explain to me the appeal of this magazine ?
Can someone explain to me the appeal of this magazine ?
23
People Magazine for rich people with some politics thrown in to lessen their guilt. Mostly garish nonsense about celebrities who know little about real life. Once they have that kind of money very few people understand what the other 99%of the country or the world thinks like.
17
Say it isn't so! My favorite monthly magazine won't be the sam without Grayson Carter at the helm. I'm gong to miss his pithy editorialist the beginning of every issue
9
Welcome to the wilds of Provence - hope to see you wandering about.
The only copies I see now of your splendid journal appear magically in my French Doctors office in Bonnieux -- where I steal them each time I visit...which is far too often. It's the only English language magazine available there, often hidden under Elle or Le Point. Have confessed to the Doctor ...he doesn't seem to mind. Must discover the source and thank them.
Bonne journée.
The only copies I see now of your splendid journal appear magically in my French Doctors office in Bonnieux -- where I steal them each time I visit...which is far too often. It's the only English language magazine available there, often hidden under Elle or Le Point. Have confessed to the Doctor ...he doesn't seem to mind. Must discover the source and thank them.
Bonne journée.
6
Possibly this will end the magazines obsession with pieces on European Royalty.
12
and dead people.
6
and people you wish would be dead.
3
I've been a subscriber of Vanity Fair for decades. I will miss Graydon Carter's "editorials." His lambasting of Donald Trump is priceless.
10
I used to read VF but have lately been bored by it. I do get a lot of discount offers for it in the mail so maybe time to jump ship before it sinks.
Cheers to the editor though holding on to any job for 25 years shows endurance.
Cheers to the editor though holding on to any job for 25 years shows endurance.
6
Spy Magazine was woth the time spent with it, Vanity Fair, meh.
10
This is great news! Grayson can't separate his personal animosity towards either Bush or Trump from his duties as editor. Which is why I quit subscribing to VF. Hopefully his replacement will dumb down the hate. In spite of what I just said, VF is a great magazine and In many ways, Carter did a fantastic job.
6
I love the criminal investigative articles, not so much the celebrity ones.
14
I loved VF during the Tina Brown days but cancelled my subscription shortly after Carter took over. Too many worthless issues consisting of little more than scores of pages of photographs of "Hollywood's New Power Players", "Silicon Valley's New Power Players", etc.
Carter's political commentary was hysterical and unreadable. He ruined, what for me, was once a great magazine.
Carter's political commentary was hysterical and unreadable. He ruined, what for me, was once a great magazine.
14
Spot on. If he spent half as much time on creative content as he did promoting his "puckish" persona, VF would have been better.
About time Carter departs. It's pretty obvious he's lost interest. The magazine has been dead for 3-4 years. It's no longer a must-read. Expanding the focus from NY, Washington, Hollywood to take in Silicon Valley proved a dumb idea. The techies are just too dreary. Then again, maybe the Zeitgeist is changing. Wall Street is just crooks and greed heads, something no amount of good prose can spin into something attractive. Kinsey's not the right person to write about the damage Trump is doing to our country. Wolcott's been phoning it in for a decade. And Hollywood no longer seems to matter, at least not the movies.
You had a good run, Graydon. But it's time.
You had a good run, Graydon. But it's time.
10
Fran could replace him were it not for her devotion to sloth. She already possesses the bite, the wardrobe and the nicotine addiction; so with a little peroxide I doubt his secretary would even notice he'd left the office. Inimitably imitable. Sail on ... and CHEERS!
1
I can just imagine Graydon: scaling Cezanne's craggy cliffs, with his white hair blowing in the wind, sharing a cup of tea, with an Italian princess, at
Mas de Fourcade Saint Cannat or admiring Philip Haas' statues in
Les Baux de Provence. His third act is going to be a beaut. He really is the last of the Mohicans. We will not see his like again. How I will miss his commentaries...
Mas de Fourcade Saint Cannat or admiring Philip Haas' statues in
Les Baux de Provence. His third act is going to be a beaut. He really is the last of the Mohicans. We will not see his like again. How I will miss his commentaries...
26
I suppose some also miss acne. It could be, in its own way, amusing....and then you out grow it and become and adult.
Verrrrrrrrry sorry to have him leave VF. It is a huge loss. He was fearless, straight forward and clear thinking. And witty. This reason we subscribe. Hoping this is just a "Ta ta for now" phase... and he lands at some other worthy publication. Certainly we need him in these crazy world shifting quickly times to keep us further informed.
7
Sorry.
But Dominick Dunn was Vanity Fair to me.
When Dunn passed away, I stopped reading.
Just like when Hunter Thompson died, I stopped reading Rolling Stone.
But Dominick Dunn was Vanity Fair to me.
When Dunn passed away, I stopped reading.
Just like when Hunter Thompson died, I stopped reading Rolling Stone.
14
Vanity Fair has been pretty good under Mr. Carter's editorship. I'm sure he will get his next chapter. But I fear the next editor might be too millennial. Ah well, time will tell.
2
No matter what issue of VF you open, after 5 minutes you'll always reach the same conclusion: Spengler was right.
Unless, of course, you're Jimmy Choo.
Unless, of course, you're Jimmy Choo.
7
There is no finer example of Dr Lawrence J Peter's 'Principle' than Graydon Carter.
1
Love this piece of the NY Times. It sounds like an obit...
7
It was impossible to find VF on newsstands in Lagos, Nigeria in the 90's. While everyone requested perfumes and gifts from those who went abroad, I always asked for just the one thing. A current issue of VF. I discovered the late, great Christopher Hitchens on their pages and fell in love. Hard.
Godspeed, Mr. Carter. You will be missed.
Godspeed, Mr. Carter. You will be missed.
7
So -- is Washington "glittery" (first paragraph) or "drab" (tenth paragraph)? One thing's for certain: Spy was a great magazine.
4
Both. Depends on what constitutes "glittery".
Uh ... jittery is more appropriate. No?
Good catch.
Graydon Carter vis-a-vis Donald Trump...like Hyperion to a satyr...
3
I'm buying a front row ticket for his 'third act'.
Mikki Ansin Cambridge, MA
Mikki Ansin Cambridge, MA
4
He turned Vanity Fair into total garbage. It's unreadable.
7
"And I miss the black-and-whiteness of the 20th century.”
I'm 93 years old. I spent most of my life in the 20th Century. It was so much better than the 21st. Most of my family and friends did not get to see the 21st Century. They are the lucky ones.
I'm 93 years old. I spent most of my life in the 20th Century. It was so much better than the 21st. Most of my family and friends did not get to see the 21st Century. They are the lucky ones.
8
when I was born, Eisenhower was president. they haven't made 'em like that since...
I will miss him at Vanity Fair but look forward to the next act. Love his (wicked) wit and intelligence. That will go with him wherever he lands.
8
They do not make people like Graydon Carter anymore.I do understand he wants another challenge but VF will not be the same without him anymore.exeptional intellect.Also his son Max who shared the flat with my son Oliver at Oxford is very
bright let us hope he follows in his fathe's footsteps.
With best wishes to Graydon Carter
Aleksander Schneider
bright let us hope he follows in his fathe's footsteps.
With best wishes to Graydon Carter
Aleksander Schneider
3
Loved anything Mr. Carter has done since "Spy" ( and boy is that needed now!). His "Vanity Fair" shows me a world I may never gain entree to, but at least I will know who is bold and who is not. Never agreed with Hitchens , who was a staple of VF, but I read every word, he was so delicious. I still buy VF when there is an article worth reading and read the online each month. I'll miss his monthly thoughts. Best of everything, Graydon!
5
I used to devour many magazines and worked in magazines (now a teacher) but VF is the only one I still buy and read. Mr Carter's editorials are the only ones I have ever made a point of reading. I will be eternally grateful to him for providing a platform for the so sorely missed Christopher Hitchens. I will be keen to see his "third act".
12
He want to leave while the magazine is on top, on top of what, A PILE OF RUBBISH?
Good riddance!
Good riddance!
9
...to re-start "Spy" magazine?
Hey - a girl can dream, right?
Hey - a girl can dream, right?
4
This was not "breaking news" worth putting at the top of every page.
10
OH NO, was my first thought reading this headline, say it isn't so. The editorial tone and blend of investigative reporting, book excerpts, biography, current events, the arts, pop culture etc by very talented writers makes VF immensely enjoyable and a monthly treat. That VF can simultaneously be civilized, witty, urbane & erudite yet starkly examine very serious issues is a reflection of Graydon Carter as its editor. I hope the path and tone he has set continues.
25
When I got the news alert on my phone, I was worried that Mr. Carter had died! I was relieved to see he had not. While I mostly confine my Vanity Fair reading to the hairdresser and occasional digital check in, I always appreciate it's old school magazine fee and look. I have been a fan since the SPY days, and I wish him well on his "third act."
9
Many years ago, when Graydon Carter was coeditor of Spy magazine, I sat in his office and noticed a photo of a man in Thirties garb outside a theater. I asked him who that was, and he said George S. Kaufman, after winning his second Pulitzer. That was for "You Can't Take It with You." A cast of nutty characters, a rueful wisdom about the shortness of our run, a truly impressive ambition: it was all right there in that framed photograph. A gifted editor and an original eye, and an awareness of how many great shoulders he stood upon.
22
Hands down, my favorite monthly magazine. I love the idea that Mr. Carter wasn't afraid of practicing good social and political investigative journalism and allowing good celebrity information. It will be tough to replace him and his style. I hope the magazine chooses wisely. I do not want the boat rocked.
38
VF has been loads of fun, for those of us who looking for fun.
When Mr. Sauerberg choses the next editor, I hope it's someone who hates Trump just as much.
Exquisitely well done, Mr. Carter.
When Mr. Sauerberg choses the next editor, I hope it's someone who hates Trump just as much.
Exquisitely well done, Mr. Carter.
31
Which is exactly why many of us stopped reading VF about 3 days into the Bush administration. It is for NYC and LA pretenders that hate America. Check the last election, we won, you lost, get over it.
5
We ?? You ?? It says everything. We won, you lost, what's the score now ?
Sonny: I like that line--"We won. You lost. Get over it." I plan to use it after the next election. Let'see how you react then.
4
When I received the breaking news alert, I honestly stopped breathing for a moment thinking it was an obituary. That was a cruel trick to play on Graydon's legion fans, NYT.
This is the end of an era to be certain, but I love the idea of a third act and can't wait to see what his is.
This is the end of an era to be certain, but I love the idea of a third act and can't wait to see what his is.
25
VF, of late, is most likely found in hair salons and upscale dentist offices.
17
Great marketing job well done then as most people do go to hair salons and need to go to the dentist.
1
Some legacy!
What have the "gilttery spheres" of media glamour in Washington led to in our press, especially the blowhards on TV?
Bombastic reporters on CNN, who self-righteously destroy Presidents -- not just Trump, mind you! -- and who know next to nothing about government and governance.
I would have a hard time naming a single CNN reporter who could pass an 8th grade test in civics.
What have the "gilttery spheres" of media glamour in Washington led to in our press, especially the blowhards on TV?
Bombastic reporters on CNN, who self-righteously destroy Presidents -- not just Trump, mind you! -- and who know next to nothing about government and governance.
I would have a hard time naming a single CNN reporter who could pass an 8th grade test in civics.
6
This article is not about CNN, it is about the editor of Vanity Fair, a publication you obviously never read.
5
His political comments,in particular during the W Bush regime, were informative ,reasoned,and put to shame 99% of the corporate media columnists! Many would like for you to continue your column,in any forum.
14
I really don't understand why this merited a breaking news alert. I mean, we've got three hurricanes churning toward the U.S., Trump seems to want to start nuclear war over North Korea, terrorism's always going on, and some editor stepping down gets a banner alert message?
I admit, I've never read Vanity Fair and never will. But even if I did, this is just a very old, rich, white man retiring from an editor position. In the grand scheme of things it means nothing at all. Vanity Fair is still going to exist tomorrow, I guess if that publication extolling vanity was about to be completely eliminated, that might merit an article, but even then it wouldn't be a red alert.
So I guess my bottom line is, so what?
I admit, I've never read Vanity Fair and never will. But even if I did, this is just a very old, rich, white man retiring from an editor position. In the grand scheme of things it means nothing at all. Vanity Fair is still going to exist tomorrow, I guess if that publication extolling vanity was about to be completely eliminated, that might merit an article, but even then it wouldn't be a red alert.
So I guess my bottom line is, so what?
15
He was the first to revel the identity of Deep Throat. And hey, what's more delicious than the National Enquirer for people who read?
3
TDS alert: "Trump seems to want to start nuclear war"
Appropriate for an article about a Trump-bashing editor, I suppose.
Appropriate for an article about a Trump-bashing editor, I suppose.
1
You care too much, darling, so stop protesting.
Graydon Carter's "Editor's Letter" each month were worth the price of the subscription. I can only hope he will continue his incisive and brilliantly written political analyses in another forum. Thank you, Mr Carter!
35
No. No it wasn't .
2
His letters were hysterical and incoherent. He sounded like a typical leftist Assistant Professor of Political Science ranting in the faculty lounge, trying to impress the witless with his wit.
Graydon Carter - who so vulgarly disparaged the President's anatomy - will not be missed. Perhaps it will bring in a age of enlightened and less crass editorship?
7
Mr Carter is the opposite of crass. You are incorrect. He will be missed.
7
Short fingered vulgarian pretty brilliantly describes the cretinous 45th. I shudder to think what exactly you might consider "enlightened" editorship...Rock on Mr. Carter!
1
I think I used to subscribe to VF a long time ago. Maybe before Graydon Carter. I thought his come down was the folding of Spy, a magazine I rushed to get the latest copy of in better days when the world seemed still young. I thought he'd sold out by going to Conde Nasty. Recently I got a pitch to buy VF and some other nasty magazine for the price of one. Graydon may be getting out while the gettings good.
3
Print magazines of all stripes are in trouble, obviously.
Who cares?
23
Concentrating only on the celebrity articles does Vanity Fair a great disservice. What about Michael Lewis' excellent (and frightening) article about the Department of Energy in the last issue? Or the great investigative article about the Wells Fargo Scandal? There's at least one great investigative piece each month that makes it totally worth reading. And Bess Levin, of course!
69
Bess Levin? You have to be kidding
The title says it all, It's the vanity fair of celebrities.
With so little out there in the way of magazines I have waited, looked for, searched and avidly read VF under Graydon Carter. I appreciate his wit, and original story sense. He's provided me with some day dreaming about the past and things I will never know, and is master of the 'bon mot'. VF gave me all this. I do envy Mr Carter the one thing I will never have: Christopher Hitchen's friendship.
33
Ah bummer! VF won't be the same, although I hope it does carry on. We'll miss ya, GC.
13
I miss the times when vf was a good read.thst went away with the deaths of Dominick Dunne and Christopher Hitchens. that was a long time ago, however.
22
Couple years maybe…
The end of an era in magisterial magazine moguldom, to be sure. And still, as journalists are taught starting in J-school, it makes one curious as to what is, or whether there is, a "story behind the story."
In any case, in the midst of our languishing language, it's heart-warming for unrepentant pedants like me to see even the subtlest of elegant locutions, such as Mr. Carter, in his quote about DT in the penultimate paragraph, not lapse into the trap of using the ubiquitously redundant "tweeted out." Implicitly, any tweet travels only one way--out.
Yes, it's true we also say "falling down" and "standing up." That's why I called myself a pedant-- before you did.
In any case, in the midst of our languishing language, it's heart-warming for unrepentant pedants like me to see even the subtlest of elegant locutions, such as Mr. Carter, in his quote about DT in the penultimate paragraph, not lapse into the trap of using the ubiquitously redundant "tweeted out." Implicitly, any tweet travels only one way--out.
Yes, it's true we also say "falling down" and "standing up." That's why I called myself a pedant-- before you did.
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We also say "standing down" though, although it's true we never say "falling up".
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Bring back Spy!
The short fingered vulgarian in the White House is reason enough!
The short fingered vulgarian in the White House is reason enough!
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I canceled my subscription to Vanity Fair because I couldn't stand Graydon Carter's opinion page. The magazine leans too far to the left and is only filled with Hollywood garbage, which is of zero interest to most readers. With him gone, I may consider subscribing again.
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Cindy,
Your comment says volumes more about you than GC, little of it flattering.
Your comment says volumes more about you than GC, little of it flattering.
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Ha! And, it's my favorite part of the mag. I'll miss him. But, I'm one of those left leaning sorts who finds lots to read ---most of it not Hollywood garbage, well, unless you count the stuff about Trump.
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Well, duhhh! She's only talking about herself anyway.... do you think she thinks about anything else?
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For me, what is saddest is that a tremendous thorn in the tiny hands of Donald Trump will be gone. Carter is the one who first pointed out the President's anatomical shortcoming.
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Sorry snowflake. Get used to it
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@Kalidan:
Well said. That the venues for short literature and thoughtful political commentary has thinned out mass market in recent history, I had the feeling that VF kept a finger in it only to advance the pretense that it still maintained an intellectual high road that reflected the good tastes of their 1% patrons.
Anyone familiar with the devolution of society, as we once referred to the upper classes, know that, they no longer have an appetite for either intellectual curiosity or the time to waste on the kind of introspection great fiction can inspire.
Carter may have at an earlier time appreciated both, though one has to question the seriousness of his affection as he so swiftly shifted his gaze to the vulgar self-indulgence one would find in The Enquirer only with three syllable words.
And when not putting a shine on the salacious or spectacularly ugly, he pandered to the rich and famous or infamous so to assume the role of kingmaker. The cameos and patronizing articles that flattered some rather horrible people, advanced their standing in the small world they live in.
The club he chose to advance was more often than not, laid out like a beggar's banquet seen through rose colored glasses of those who assume class is directly related to net worth.
I for one are not unhappy to see him go.
Well said. That the venues for short literature and thoughtful political commentary has thinned out mass market in recent history, I had the feeling that VF kept a finger in it only to advance the pretense that it still maintained an intellectual high road that reflected the good tastes of their 1% patrons.
Anyone familiar with the devolution of society, as we once referred to the upper classes, know that, they no longer have an appetite for either intellectual curiosity or the time to waste on the kind of introspection great fiction can inspire.
Carter may have at an earlier time appreciated both, though one has to question the seriousness of his affection as he so swiftly shifted his gaze to the vulgar self-indulgence one would find in The Enquirer only with three syllable words.
And when not putting a shine on the salacious or spectacularly ugly, he pandered to the rich and famous or infamous so to assume the role of kingmaker. The cameos and patronizing articles that flattered some rather horrible people, advanced their standing in the small world they live in.
The club he chose to advance was more often than not, laid out like a beggar's banquet seen through rose colored glasses of those who assume class is directly related to net worth.
I for one are not unhappy to see him go.
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“And if he’s smart, he won’t say anything.”
Ah, but Mr. Carter, we all know trump is not smart enough to refrain from replying.
Ah, but Mr. Carter, we all know trump is not smart enough to refrain from replying.
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I did enjoy reading and subscribing to VF for many years. But, Carter's incessant Republican bashing month after month got to be too much. Good riddance. Hope his aging and retirement makes him more tolerant. But as they say...you can't teach an old dog new tricks!
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My wife and I, too, subscribed for many years. Cancelled when VF published an article by the father of Bristol Palin's first kid. Such trash, I couldn't take it any more.
12
With rare exceptions, when real journalism crept in, Carter's VF was no better than a supermarket tabloid catering to trivial Hollywood glamour and who's the richest producer or hedge fund jerk in America. That it enjoys the success it does represents another blot on the American character, laser focused as it is on shallow glitter and pathetic envy.
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This article explains why Hillary lost.
Although I have lived in New York for over 50 years, as a certified member of the Deplorables, I have no idea who Graydon Carter is, and after reading this article, I can happily say his existence, and that of Vanity Fair, is immaterial to my life and I expect to the lives of millions of others - maybe even virtually all Americans.
It is a wonder that the New York Times feel his stepping down is a major news event.
I expect Hillary knows who Graydon Carter is.
But she didn't know the impact of throwing millions of miners out of work.
Although I have lived in New York for over 50 years, as a certified member of the Deplorables, I have no idea who Graydon Carter is, and after reading this article, I can happily say his existence, and that of Vanity Fair, is immaterial to my life and I expect to the lives of millions of others - maybe even virtually all Americans.
It is a wonder that the New York Times feel his stepping down is a major news event.
I expect Hillary knows who Graydon Carter is.
But she didn't know the impact of throwing millions of miners out of work.
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The reason for miners losing jobs is not named Hillary. It's named Technology. But that's not so politically expedient to acknowledge, or even, for some, to accept and understand.
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Grayson Carter is a talented writer, editor and filmmaker. I grew up in a once-prosperous coal mining and manufacturing town whose local economy has been ravaged by globalization. You know the story. My father, a plant worker, started subscribing to Vanity Fair in my teens and it became our escape. It's talented writers and photographers gave me an awareness of a world outside of my small town, exposing me to people of different viewpoints, cultures and religions. It introduced me to great writing and a love of the arts. Through its pages, I learned that it was possible to dream and dream big. Please don't equate class standing with intellectual curiosity. Those types of stereotypes are soul-crushing.
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millions?
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To suggest that publishing this article is editorial malpractice is ridiculous. The solution is simple: the reader may merely choose to not read it.
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Of course, an Editor adds enormous value to a publication. A critical eye enhances almost any writing & tailors it for the particular publication.
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Just ask Men's Journal. (Sorry. Couldn't resist.)
Nice to have a breaking news alert with some historical perspective, instead of the incessant record hurricane drumbeat, Trump firecracker fizzle and the like. But what use is this revisit to happier times without details of how well his magnificent, past era standard bearer well written glossy is really doing in the Jeff Bezos economy?
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I have little doubt that with Trump in the White House Carter is anxious to join the rest of the Canadian establishment spending his summers in North Hatley and his winters in the South of France.
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How I miss Spy. Vanity Fair never even came close. But I guess it was another era. As this certainly is.
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I sometimes question the Times' judgment when they send out a breaking news alert and I can fully appreciate the folks who think this is not worthy of a breaking news bulletin, but personally, I consider this big news.
I was not always a Graydon Carter fan, but over time I have learned to appreciate how unique he truly is. There is only one Graydon Carter, and we will miss his brilliance once he leaves VF.
Will it affect the planet? Probably not. Will it matter to a good many people? More than you will know.
I was not always a Graydon Carter fan, but over time I have learned to appreciate how unique he truly is. There is only one Graydon Carter, and we will miss his brilliance once he leaves VF.
Will it affect the planet? Probably not. Will it matter to a good many people? More than you will know.
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I am happy to see that a tremendous self-promoter can also be (apparently) a very decent person.
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So sorry to see Graydon Carter leave VF. Love the magazine -- the articles, the ads, and the covers. Always looked forward to his editorial commentaries particularly his skewerings of Trumpkin. Hopefully the magazine will retain the quality established by Tina Brown and then continued by Carter. Have a wonderful third act Mr. Carter.
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I don't think I would describe Vanity Fair as being "on top." Back when Tina Brown was the editor, I was a devoted Vanity Fair reader, but in recent years, I find almost nothing in it that's of any interest. There's very little related to actual news, and a lot of shallow gossip and trivial subject matter.
I agree with other commenters that this item absolutely did not merit a "Breaking News" alert from the Times. Although it's also true that if I hadn't gotten the Breaking News alert, I probably wouldn't even have clicked on the article, because Vanity Fair has declined so much in its importance to me.
I agree with other commenters that this item absolutely did not merit a "Breaking News" alert from the Times. Although it's also true that if I hadn't gotten the Breaking News alert, I probably wouldn't even have clicked on the article, because Vanity Fair has declined so much in its importance to me.
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I think that Vanity Fair is nothing but an advertising venue.
The magazine of the past was so much more, filled with comprehensive articles.
The one now is a mere shell of what it once was. It's all about the bottom line. What makes money.
Vogue is the same.
The magazine of the past was so much more, filled with comprehensive articles.
The one now is a mere shell of what it once was. It's all about the bottom line. What makes money.
Vogue is the same.
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“I’m by nature a very wistful person ... and I miss the black-and-whiteness of the 20th century.”
Dreams often are in black-and-white. Will be interesting to see Graydon Carter's third act.
Dreams often are in black-and-white. Will be interesting to see Graydon Carter's third act.
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This story does not deserve highlighting as "Breaking News." Editorial malpractice when the Caribbean is being pounded by a category five storm.
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Chill out 'rdelrio'- you are a long way from the action in sunny ca. Send a donation, say prayers for those in danger, there is plenty to read.
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A friend of mine is actually in Irma's path in the Caribbean and I'm worried about her trying to shelter in what is probably a house without a roof, but I can still accept a newsflash about Graydon Carter stepping down since, after all, he's fought back against hurricane Trump. I think your feelings are misplaced.
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@rdelrio. This is the New York Times after all and Graydon is an iconic person of NYC, while the hurricane is very far away from our island.
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Hurricane Irma is looming, DACA kids are panicking, North Korea and Trump are playing Chicken, Poor America is facing tax destructive legislation, fires are decimating our natural beauty, and THIS cam across as breaking news????? Please...if honest media is to be taken as "real" news vs. the fake news accusations, can we please revert to headlines that reach ALL Americans, inasmuch as the NYT is one of "America's leading news outlets"? I love my news. I love to be a part of this amazing country. But really, Carter's professional record is NOT breaking news and affects very few people.
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Chill out, honey. There's more than enough room, in some people's minds. :/
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If it is strict sensationalism that you're looking for, you should try Fox News.
His retirement may not signify a crisis, but it is certainly newsworthy. During the unnerving Trump era remember that life should include more than attention to emergencies; elements of philosophy, history, and culture are important too.
His retirement may not signify a crisis, but it is certainly newsworthy. During the unnerving Trump era remember that life should include more than attention to emergencies; elements of philosophy, history, and culture are important too.
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Henry...even if Vanity Fair went out of business, it is hardly an emergency, or in any way diminishes the arts or humanities. And definitely not worth a "breaking news" designation alert.
"So I blew up all the tweets and I framed them all. They’re all on a wall — this is the only wall Trump’s built — outside my office."
Touche'!
Touche'!
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Kind of sad, really. He seems starved for attention. And he can't frame his own silly tweet? Oh - that's right - a guy with "a seven-figure salary" doesn't do that kind of gutter work!
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You can't talk that way about a sitting president.
#MakeAmericaGraydonAgain!
#MakeAmericaGraydonAgain!
Been a reader of Vanity Fair for about 20 years. About one or two articles are relevant to me in every issue (political commentary); the rest are high end celebrity gossip. I tear them out to avoid thumbing through an otherwise thick magazine with so much static that pages stick together.
I don't matter much to VF because I don't buy any brand that is advertised in the magazine. I may have liked to, but only if there was a zero added on the right side to my income. But I do wonder what happens to the mix of articles upon Mr. Carter's departure. I hope the erudite, brilliant, well-researched, amazingly well edited political pieces remain.
Kalidan
I don't matter much to VF because I don't buy any brand that is advertised in the magazine. I may have liked to, but only if there was a zero added on the right side to my income. But I do wonder what happens to the mix of articles upon Mr. Carter's departure. I hope the erudite, brilliant, well-researched, amazingly well edited political pieces remain.
Kalidan
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