The volume provides an introduction to themes and problems central to the hitherto almost totally neglected phenomenon of communication in magazines and journals. It considers first of all the constitution of the concept 'magazine/journal' and traces the history of magazine and journal titles from the 18th century to the present. A central concern is to develop a theory of magazine/journal communication. Distinctions are made between various types and forms of magazine and journal in their historical contexts. Subsequently, the specific functions and strongpoints of the various kinds of magazine and journal are discussed. Special reference is made to historical developments in the layout of magazines/journals and the kind of language employed in them. Further chapters centre on magazine/journal editors and authors, distribution and circulation, and magazine/journal readers. The volume closes with a round-up of magazine/journal research, magazine criticism and a brief history of magazines and journals. The volume as a whole sets out to provide both a general overview of the subject and to indicate routes to explore for further research into an increasingly important mass medium.